Red ribbons that how solidarity with people living with HIV. In Tanzania,
HIV pupils wearing ribbons are excused from chores like fetching water.
By BBCPosted Friday, March 16 2012 at 08:2
Campaigners in Tanzania have criticised some schools for making HIV-positive pupils wear a red ribbon on their uniforms.
The headmaster of one school said that it was done at the parents' request to ensure that all sickly pupils do not do tasks that may affect their health.
But such stigmatisation was against the law, punishable by up to three years in jail, a campaign group warned.
The health minister has said he cannot comment until it is investigated.
According to UNAids, about 5 per cent of the population - 1.4m people - in the East African nation are living with HIV.
'Confidential'
'Confidential'
In Dar es Salaam city, activists have reacted with horror to the labelling of pupils in the Kibaha district.
They believe at least seven schools in the area, about 40km (25 miles) north-west of Dar es Salaam, are using the ribbon system.
"They are only doing that because they want to identify those who are HIV-positive," said Jane Tibihita, a co-ordinator of Upendo Partnership, a local campaign group.
Rebecca Mshumbusi, chairperson of the Kibaha Association of People Living with HIV/Aids, said it was unethical to reveal a person's health status in public.
It is unethical, please stop doing that.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the saddest thing I have ever heard of. How can people be so heartless.The person whose idea this was in the first place is a personification of the dark prince.I dont wish him any ill, but bid will his own red ribbon be if he turns out to be positive.
ReplyDeleteWhy such a fuss for a mere misunderstanding? Someone thought they were doing them favours that is all. Of course they were wrong, but such an arrogance from Wanaharakati is aimed only at the Donors monies!
ReplyDeleteudhalilishaji wa hali ya juuuuuu kabisa.
ReplyDeleteThe practice had been existing for a while. I don't understand why those activists are becoming vocal today. Both the activistas and red robbon pioneers are dead wrong. They should just take those ribbons off kids' hands and move on instead of making it as an internatinal violation of human rights for the sake of foreign aid that barely reaches the children.
ReplyDeleteNakubaliana na wadau wa hapo juu. Hiyo ni kutofahamu maana ya hiyo red ribbon.
ReplyDeleteWangekwenda na kuwaelewesha na kuziondoa basi yangeisha, lakini mhhhhhhhhh tena! Kelele nyingi kuonyesha wafadhili kwamba wanataka fedha za kufanyia kampeni ya aina hiyo.
utter nonsense,chapa viboko mwalimu mkuu.
ReplyDelete