HIV/AIDS Public Health Measures

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HIV/AIDS Public Health Measures

• James G. Anderson, Ph.D.
• Purdue University

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Public Health Measures

• Mandatory reporting of new HIV/AIDS cases
• Mandatory testing (e.g., prostitutes, IV drug
  users, pregnant women)
• Needle exchange programs
• Mandatory Immunization

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Public Health Measures

• Contact Tracing/Partner Notification
• Voluntary
• Selected Targeted contact tracing
• Aggressive contact tracing
• Legal penalties for knowingly exposing others to
  the HIV virus
• Quarantine

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Issues

• Should there be mandatory reporting of new HIV
  cases?
• How cost-effective are each of these public
  health measures?
• What privacy and confidentiality issues are
  raised by these measures?
• How do you minimize potential stigma and
  discrimination against persons who are tested
  and/or contacted?

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Issues

• How do you balance individual rights vs. duty to
  warn sexual partners?
• How effective is contact tracing when you cant
  mandate behavioral change?
• Will these measure discourage people from being
  tested?