Routine testing for HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: a philosopher's perspective

This article summarizes some important arguments for and against instituting a routine testing regimen for HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. After reviewing these competing positions and noting their areas of agreement and disagreement, the author recommends an alternative way to solve the main sticking point between them, that is, how to test a large majority of the population while still respecting their human rights to autonomy and freedom from unnecessary harm. This article argues that the proposed solution would respect the rights to autonomy of the individual to a sufficient degree and stands a greater chance of being both practicable and effective than the alternatives.