afrol News / PlusNews, 21 July - A University of California study shows there is wide support for Botswana's policy of routine HIV testing, from which people can "opt out".

The government introduced the policy in 2004 after it found that reluctance to be tested was a major cause of slow takeup of free antiretroviral treatment.

The cross-sectional study of 1,268 people at the end of 2004 found that 81 percent of respondents were either "extremely" or "very much" in favour of routine testing, while 60 percent thought the policy could help reduce stigma and 55 percent said it could reduce violence against women.

However, the survey also revealed some contradictory opinions: 43 percent of participants believed routine testing might actually discourage people from seeking medical care from doctors.

Although concluding that Botswana's policy was well supported, the authors cautioned that "efforts to scale up HIV testing must also be accompanied by appropriate monitoring of testing practices to ensure that they are implemented in accordance with international guidelines on human rights and HIV/AIDS."

© afrol News / PlusNews

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