RIYADH -- Couples wanting to marry in Muslim conservative Saudi Arabia will have to undergo tests for the HIV virus, which can cause AIDS, starting next year, a newspaper reported Wednesday.
From 2008, future brides and grooms will have to be tested for both the virus and hepatitis in one of more than 20 centers to be set up across the kingdom, Al Watan said, quoting the health ministry's assistant undersecretary for preventive medicine, Khaled Al Zahrani.
If either of them tests HIV positive, and they still want to marry, the case will be examined in conjunction with the justice ministry, Zahrani said, without elaborating.
Nearly 11,000 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported in Saudi Arabia between 1984, when the first case was diagnosed, and the end of 2005, according to a health ministry official.
Of the 10,924 cases diagnosed, Saudis numbered 2,005 and expatriates 8,919, the official said in November 2005.
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I am blessed to have friends smart enough not to enter ANY intimate relationship without an HIV test. That goes for both parties: I ask my partner to get tested and I do it myself. Not only fair but a real life saver.
Tigerlily Member # 3567
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Wow, Karah, are you serious?
"Hello, I like you very much but before we start a relationship or just go down to business you need to take an Aids test?"
Thankfully I am off the market and don't have to deal with dating anymore!
But let's get back to the article. What does it says?
IMO Saudi Arabia has a huge problem with Aids - probably way more than they are willing to announce to the public.
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