About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Malawi Gay Couple's Imprisonment Draws Attention from UNAIDS

by Tanya Thomas on May 28, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Font : A-A+

 Malawi Gay Couple's Imprisonment Draws Attention from UNAIDS

After a gay couple in Malawi were sentenced to imprisonment recently, two of the world's leading AIDS campaigners have raised concerns that such a move could hamper the fight against the disease by forcing homosexual men underground.

Last week a court sentenced Steven Monjeza, 26, and his 20-year-old partner Tiwonge Chimbalanga to 14 years hard labour for sodomy, after they held the country's first known same-sex wedding.

Advertisement

UNAIDS boss Michel Sidibe and the head of the Global Fund against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, Michel Kazatchkine said they discussed the case during talks Tuesday with Malawi's president.

"Criminalising sexual behaviour drives people who engage in same-sex relations underground and hampers HIV-related programmes aimed at addressing their needs," said Kazatchkine in a statement.
Advertisement

"Evidence from several countries in Africa shows a significant number of new HIV infections occurring among sex workers, people who use drugs and men who have sex with men," Sidibe said.

"Opening a societal dialogue on these sensitive and critical issues is the only way to guarantee access to health services and restore dignity to all," he added.

During the course of the trial, Malawi's President Bingu wa Mutharika had called homosexuality "evil and very bad before the eyes of God".

But he told Sidibe and Kazatchkine that he was "confident the cultural, religious and legal dimensions of the debate generated around this case will lead to a positive outcome," the statement said.

The court's decision to hand the couple the maximum sentence sparked an outcry among human rights groups, but no African leader has publicly commented on the case.

Source: AFP
TAN
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest AIDS/HIV News

 HIV Antibody Response Raised in Patients With Tuberculosis Disease
A new study has found that the co-localization of tuberculosis disease and HIV in lymphatic tissues leads to the emergence of potent HIV antibodies.
Exploring the Consistent Outcomes of an Antiviral Drug
Specific antiviral drug that is widely used to treat smallpox patients since last summer's outbreak is found to produce similar outcomes regardless of the patient's HIV status.
Why Is STI and HIV Screening Decreased While Positive Test Results Increase?
In susceptible communities because of poverty, and racism, the effects of inadequate STI and HIV screening may be more profound.
Who Is Responsible for the Blunting of AIDS Epidemic?
In India, annual HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths continue to drop. Between 2010 and 2021, new HIV infections dropped by 46%.
Are Countries Missing on HIV Self-Testing?
Globally, all countries have promised to end AIDS by 2030, for which it is essential to safeguard individuals living with HIV to complete HIV care services.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Malawi Gay Couple's Imprisonment Draws Attention from UNAIDS Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests