There is a growing need for government mandated HIV testing. The issues of mandatory HIV testing are broad and numerous. It would be difficult to address each issue associated with governmental and company policies that issue mandated HIV testing. However, the basic right to life that we all share must be clearly considered when making the laws.
Many people infected with the AIDS virus don't learn of their condition until about ten years after becoming infected with the virus, when it has already done a great deal of damage to the immune system. Not testing for HIV until late in the course of infection presents a major challenge to reducing AIDS cases and deaths. Many people that have been infected are not aware of their condition so do not take advantage of medical support. They also do not take action to prevent the spread to others.
AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection. During this phase of the disease there is increased susceptibility to life-threatening infections and certain cancers. .
Most often, without treatment, full- blown AIDS will develop about a decade after a person is infected with the HIV virus. Early diagnosis allows a person to start antiviral therapy, which can prolong good health and even life, after the virus starts to show damage to the immune system. More importantly to some, it alerts infected people that they are at high risk of passing along the virus if they don't change high risk behavior.
Even when people have access to good health care the disease may go undetected until aids symptoms show up. People generally aren't comfortable talking about HIV with anyone. friends, partners, or health care providers. There is a stigma attached to HIV testing. This can be alleviated with government mandated testing.
