Greece reintroduces forced HIV testing

A controversial measure that allows the police to detain people and force them to be tested for HIV was reinstated by the new Greek health minister, Adonis Georgiadis in July 2013.

In one of his first decisions as health minister, Georgiadis re-introduced the Public Health Decree 39A, which imposed measures such as obligatory testing for hepatitis, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and communicable diseases, according to the Greek media Enet.

Health organisations say the decree stigmatises drug users, sex workers and undocumented migrants in particular. The text also stated that any occupants of housing which 'may cause danger to public health' should be evicted from their homes, without any alternative being offered.

Note that Kathimerini reported on the 12 July 2013 that
Health Minister Georgiadis had said on that day that he planned to scrap the contentious regulation.

• Primary Source

Public Service Europe, 12.07.13: Forced HIV testing in Greece 'violates human rights' http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/3756/forced-hiv-testing-in-greece-violates-human-rights

Kathimerini, 12.07.13: Minister says changes will be made to regulation allowing forced HIV testing http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_12/07/2013_509101

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