Dimapur, June 7 (MExN): A major local health organization, Network of Nagaland Drugs and AIDS Organization (NNagaDAO) today said the ongoing controversy over mandatory testing entails aspects of ethics and basic human rights. The N-NagaDAO informed that a joint meeting has been convened with the NEIDUF, NNP+, NUN, Project ORCHID and NSACS to have open and honest discussions to resolve the critical issue at hand. Referring to the issue of “proposed mandatory HIV testing among drug users”, the organization said it is a matter of serious concern. The organization acknowledged that early diagnosis of HIV status and access to treatment are critical factors for HIV prevention, care and support. However, directly or indirectly forcing a person to take HIV test is a violation of basic human rights, the organization reminded. “It also understands the problems faced by the NGOs at the grassroots in referring the drug users to the Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) for HIV testing when the NSACS appointed counselors and lab technicians are irregular in attending to their duties. The work ethics of the counselors at some of these centers are also questionable,” it added.
