The most political disease on the planet
As you sit down to read this month’s PN, general election fever will
be at its height with MPs locked in the ‘tit-for-tat-he-said-she-said’
bun fights that pass for political debate these days. You may have hoped,
not unreasonably, that the May edition of PN would be a politician-free oasis
of calm.
The idea of blanking the election was, we admit, very tempting. But ultimately
we felt PN would be failing in its duty if we let politicians get off the
hook that lightly.
As Britain goes to the polls, key issues around HIV are failing to get a proper
hearing. So we took our many questions and concerns about the state of sexual
health services direct to public health minister Melanie Johnson.
In the interview, Johnson admits UK sexual health services are not what they
should be. But she paints a far rosier picture than that portrayed by GU clinicians,
two-thirds of whom say they have been forced to turn away patients (see news
page 11).
And the minister also remains unapologetic about the inhumane NHS policy that
currently denies free HIV treatments to certain categories of ‘failed’
HIV positive asylum seekers.
Still in election-mode, our cover feature sheds light on the human effects
of ‘get tough’ deportation policies and electioneering that pander
to anti-immigrant sentiments.
HIV positive asylum seeker Stella Zuze is one of many who now face deportation
to Zimbabwe despite it being almost impossible to access HIV treatment there.
With more domestic policies in mind, we also provide a spin-free, at-a-glance
guide to what the main parties say on key HIV and sexual health issues.
As PN went to the press there was one glimmer of hope for the global situation,
at least.
Terrified of losing support from anti-war voters in marginal constituencies,
the Labour Party has rushed to upgrade international action on HIV/Aids treatment
to a manifesto pledge.
Their manifesto now pledges they will press for an international agreement
on universal access to HIV drugs by 2010.
What this will mean in real cash terms, once the election dust has settled,
is hard to say, but it is a start. So when a politician next darkens your
door chasing your vote, especially if you live in a marginal constituency,
don’t just slam it in their face.
Instead, take the time to ask them exactly where they stand on improving the
lot of all people with HIV in the UK and beyond. It might just make a difference.
Make your voice heard on criminalisation
Recent convictions for reckless transmission of HIV, those of Mohammed Dica
and Feston Konzani, have huge implications for the sexual and human rights
of all people living with HIV in this country.
We devote considerable space this month to looking at what the convictions
mean.
Further prosecutions of this kind will depend on what the Crown Prosecution
Service chooses to put in its guidance to prosecutors in the wake of the Dica
and Konzani cases.
HIV organisations are keen to influence this process to restrict prosecutions
and to ensure it is based on a proper understanding of HIV transmission risks
and the complex problems people face in disclosure. As part of this process,
PN and UKC want you to tell us what you think, so please take time to read
the feature and answer the questionnaire, either in the magazine, or on line
at www.ukcoalition.org
Amanda Elliot, Managing editor
