Group wants government to destroy database listing HIV positive children in the country

onnaedo

June 17, 2015 7:11 PM

The group argues that it violates the constitution that prohibits the recording of details about people living with HIV.

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Kenyan human rights activists have gone to court to get the government to destroy data which lists children who are HIV positive.

According to BBC, the president ordered the collection of the data in February, to help the provision of health services.

The move saw children list their names, schools, guardians and relatives possibly affected by their condition but activists fear the process used in collecting the data could push back the fight against stigmatisation.

The directive also requested that personal information be collected for pregnant women with HIV.

Activist groups Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network (Kelin), Children of God Relief Institute (Nyumbani) and two other parties jointly filed the petition.

According to the group's executive director, Allan Maleche, the case would have far-reaching ramifications for HIV patients in terms of their privacy and confidentiality.

The United Nations reports that 1.6 million people are living with HIV in Kenya, including 190,000 children aged 14 and under.

The case began on Wednesday and its second hearing will be on 10 July.

onnaedo