Press Room

The recent amendment to Section 23(1) of the Infectious Diseases Act (IDA) passed by the Parliament of Singapore has gotten some netizens up in arms. The amendment means that people living with HIV (PLHIV) who have undetectable viral loads are no longer required to inform their partners about their HIV status before sexual activity, since there is no risk of HIV infection.

Remember, UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMITTABLE, or U=U, means that PLHIV with undetectable viral load absolutely cannot sexually transmit HIV to other people. Much of the disagreements over the amendment stems from ignorance over this scientifically proven fact.

There is no evidence to prove that criminal penalties have helped reduce HIV transmissions. Instead, they have been counterproductive to public health goals by increasing stigma over HIV services and discouraging people from HIV testing.

Forced disclosure of HIV status also puts PLHIV at greater risk of marginalisation, discrimination, violence, and abuse. This is a human rights issue as much as it is a public health issue, and it is better addressed through increased accessibility to healthcare, testing, sex education, and STI prevention methods, not criminalisation or marginalisation.

The IDA in its previous iteration was also unbalanced in shifting the responsibility of HIV prevention on PLHIV, even if they were already undergoing treatment. HIV prevention is the shared responsibility of all partners. If you are HIV-negative, remember that you’re responsible for HIV/STI prevention as well! Stay educated on sexual health, adopt safer sex practices, and undergo screening regularly.

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