Official urges Persian Gulf states to blacklist AIDS patients.

ABSTRACT

AIDS Persian Gulf countries still stigmatize people with AIDS (PWAs) and single them out for punishment. Dubai's police chief, Brigadier Khahi Khalfan Tamim, recently recommended blacklisting PWAs to the Gulf Cooperation Council and recommended enacting tougher legislation in dealing with PWAs who knowingly spread the disease. He also urged police to play a bigger role in combating prostitution. In addressing the AIDS issue, the United Arab Emirates has undertaken a strict blood surveillance program to reduce the transmission of HIV through transfusions and has launched an anti-AIDS campaign in conjunction with the World Health Organization to increase awareness. Tamim urged greater anti-AIDS campaigns targeting youth.^ieng