Name: HIV -- how to fight an epidemic of bad laws
Uploaded: 2012-05-24T15:00:01Z
Duration: 15 min 11 s
Description: There is an epidemic of HIV, and with it an epidemic of bad laws -- laws that effectively criminalize being HIV positive. At the TEDxSummit in Doha, TED Fellow Shereen El Feki gives a forceful argument that these laws, based in stigma, are actually helping the disease spread.

There is an epidemic of HIV, and with it an epidemic of bad laws -- laws that effectively criminalize being HIV positive. At the TEDxSummit in Doha, TED Fellow Shereen El Feki gives a forceful argument that these laws, based in stigma, are actually helping the disease spread.

Shereen El Feki: HIV -- how to fight an epidemic of bad laws

HIV -- how to fight an epidemic of bad laws

Laws criminalizing HIV fuel the epidemic by driving it underground, making people less likely to seek testing or treatment.

Reforming police practices and judicial decisions can create a more tolerant environment, reducing HIV stigma and discrimination.

HIV criminalization laws hinder efforts to combat the epidemic, perpetuating stigma and discouraging vital medical disclosures.