[procaare] Durban 2000: VCT - Re:To test or not to test? (1)

[Ammon Zisman <azisman@mednet.ucla.edu>]

Should people go for HIV testing when treatment is not available?

Yes
People have the right to have a timely chance to re-organize their life according to the drastic
change in life expectancy as much as incurable cancer patients have.

No
In the absence of treatment and therefore real hope for a secured future, knowing may result in
despair, depression and loss of interest in life. Moreover if anonymity in testing is not kept
firmly, discrimination and depersonalization may be enforced on individuals already in a needy
position.

Provided that anonymity in testing is kept firmly and counseling is available, I think that the
'Yes' is stronger.

Amnon Zisman, MD
Fellow in Urological Oncology
The department of Urology, Division of Urological Oncology
UCLA School of Medicine

E-mail: azisman@mednet.ucla.edu


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