HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Management) Act, 2017

The Act provides for the prevention and management of HIV and AIDS, provides for the rights and obligations of persons living with or affected by the diseases, and seeks to remove negative stigma for those who live with or affected by such diseases. The Act prohibits harmful practices that put a person at risk of HIV infection or could result in progression of the HIV infection to AIDS. Such harmful practices are defined as social, religious, or cultural practices, and the violation of this section is punishable by a large fine and imprisonment of up to five years. The Act further prohibits discrimination based on HIV or AIDS status, including in employment and education, and such discrimination is similarly punishable by a large fine and/or imprisonment for up to five years. Under the Act, the government is affirmatively required to provide medication and treatment, and to establish a National AIDS Commission. The Act strictly regulates the disclosure of status as well as testing by health providers. Persons diagnosed as having HIV are required to undergo counseling by a health service provider and to comply with any precautions prescribed by said provider.