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In these days of record-breaking numbers of people on ADAP waiting lists and new health care legislation that does not adequately address the needs of those with chronic illnesses, "test and treat" would be a welcome policy if it meant that everyone with HIV would have access to life-saving medications without having to jump through bureaucratic hurdles to get them. It's very easy for privileged activists with insurance and access to their own meds to debate "test and treat" from their ivory tower. Since you're all set, knock yourself out debating the "human rights" implications of a policy that would guarantee HIV meds across the board. Meanwhile there are 1400+ (and counting) anguishing on ADAP waiting lists waiting to get sick and maybe even die without their meds. Why not deploy your considerable arsenal on guaranteeing that everyone with HIV have access to proper and affordable health insurance, something the current legislation does not do, what with a 6 month waiting period in order to be eligible for high-risk pools? Why not deploy your arsenal on efforts to guarantee funding for ADAPs and making eligibility less onerous? Maybe after these more pressing issues are solved should you then debate the merits of "test and treat." Whatever happened to prioritizing?
IowaNick
Good points -- and good catch. Nice to get a new perspective. Way to go, as always, Sean ... and way to go, Louise!
July 3, 2010