07/24/2007
Papua Considering Chip Implants for HIV Carriers
A doctor involved in the preparation of a healthcare regulation bill in the Indonesian province of Papua cited dangerous behavior among some infected with the HIV as the reason lawmakers are considering the use of microchip implants in tracking some HIV carriers.
Said Dr. John Manangsang: "We in the government in Papua have to think hard on ways to provide protection to people from the spread of the disease. Some of the infected people experience a change of behaviour and can turn more aggressive and would not think twice of infecting others. Among one of the means being considered is the monitoring of those infected people who can pose a danger to others. The use of chip implants is one of the ways to do so, but only for those few who turn aggressive and clearly continue to disregard what they know about the disease and spread the virus to others."
Constant Karma, the head of the Papua chapter of the National AIDS Commission, slammed the announcement: "People with HIV/AIDS are not like sharks under observation so that they have to be implanted with microchips to monitor their movements. Any form of identification of people with HIV/AIDS violates human rights."
Microchips mulled for HIV carriers in Indonesia's Papua [afp]
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 12:55 PM EST by Andy in AIDS/HIV, Health, Indonesia, Papua | Permalink
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Wow...ignorant *and* evil.
Posted by: peterparker | Jul 24, 2007 1:24:41 PM
They can't feed their population, bring them up out of squallor, but they can invest in an HIV RFID. What's next? Electro-shock for those who venture across the borders?
Posted by: Rad | Jul 24, 2007 1:36:39 PM
Agressive and violent?
Like running real fast and screaming and jerky movements?
28 Years Later?
?
Posted by: Br!on | Jul 24, 2007 3:12:17 PM
Yeah, I'm sure the Papua high-tech infrastructure will be able to track all those chips with no problem. Probably powered by a platypus on a treadmill
Posted by: Zlexar | Jul 25, 2007 9:56:15 AM
Hey Papua, here's a thought: How about developing a portable HIV test, you know like a pregnancy test. Prospective partner is tested on the spot. And you give it away for FREE at all drugstores and night clubs, etc. Save millions of dollars (and you dignity) on your harebrained scheme!
Posted by: soulbrotha | Jul 25, 2007 11:57:54 AM
RAD, around 90% of West Papuans are subsistence farmers who manage to feed themselves quite well the majority of the time. Environmental destruction and displacement by the government to clear the way for logging and mining are among the biggest threat to whether they can feed themselves. The Indonesian government has done shockingly next to nothing to work to provide real development there - in infrastructure, education, etc. Most efforts go towards lining the pockets of the rich there so they can sell off what resources the people have.
After being STOLEN by Indonesia at the end of WWII and subsequently ignored by the rest of the world as their history, cultures and environment are destroyed it's nice to see people get mad at the imposed government in West Papua. But make no mistake: aside from the (by far) minority of immigrants who are really the only ones in the government, the people there, unrepresented, have little to do except protest and hope the rest of the world comes to their aid through international pressure.
I wouldn't be shocked if this turned out to be a plan to track dissidents.
Posted by: boytokyo | Jul 25, 2007 10:06:55 PM