Britain plans to introduce compulsory HIV tests for immigrants after new cases of the virus soared 26% in the last year, The Times newspaper said on Thursday.
Government officials are drawing up plans to launch HIV and TB screening for everyone who wants to move to Britain — although a positive test will not necessarily be a barrier to entry ‒ the newspaper said.
”Compulsory HIV and TB tests are something we are actively planning,” a government source told the paper. Downing Street refused to confirm the decision, but a representative told the newspaper: ”We know people are arriving in Britain with diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and TB. There is no doubt we have to deal with this issue. That’s why we’re carrying out a review.”
There were 6 172 new cases of HIV diagnosed in Britain last year, compared with 4 909 in 2001, including a marked increase among people who acquired their infection overseas, according to the latest figures. – Sapa-AFP