Aids unit praised for confidentiality-But the infected asked to confess |11 June 2005

This remark came from members of the National Aids Council (Nac) who met at Victoria Hospital on Thursday under the chairmanship of President James Michel.

"Seeing how discreet they are, even I never seek to know who the infected people are," Health and Social Services Minister Vincent Meriton said.

The multi-sectoral council members praised the CDCU for maintaining the confidentiality of people found to be carrying the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

However, some of the members called upon those who learn they are infected with the virus to come forward "and break the silence," in a bid to sensitise members of the public to take precautions against contracting HIV.

“There were times when people suffering from cancer used to keep it secret but now they readily say they have it,” some of the members said.

The unit on its part implored upon the council to continue offering guidelines on what should follow after results turn out positive, for example among migrant workers.

"We need to know what to do with the results when we get them," council member Dr Agnes Chetty, who is also the director of CDCU said.

Key among the issues under discussion was whether foreigners should be compelled to undergo HIV tests before contracting marriage with Seychellois.

In view of the fact that the Seychellois could themselves turn out positive, the council members urged even the citizens to be tested on a voluntary basis.

"We cannot afford to send the message to our people that only foreigners have the disease while we, by the mere virtual of our nationality, do not," the members said.

Dr Chetty told the members that at the moment 139 Seychellois are infected with HIV/Aids.