9. Protection from Discrimination

Consensus:

There is significant risk of discrimination for participants in HIV vaccine trials in any country. Proactive efforts should be encouraged prior to a trial beginning in order to prevent discrimination.

Discussion:

This discrimination may result from being identified as a participant in the trial, or from vaccine-induced seropositivity. The provision of a card to explain that a person is HIV-positive as a result of a vaccine is not adequate. Proactive strategies for preventing discrimination include changing legislation, advocacy to increase political will and improve enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, education of the public, and utilization of international human rights procedures.

It was noted that in Thailand, even though discrimination on the basis of HIV status is prohibited by law, individuals have been denied insurance after reporting employment with an AIDS organization.