The Global Database on HIV-specific Travel and Residence Restrictions will now be known as Positive Destinations (PositiveDestinations.info), an online resource that helps people with HIV plan their travel or relocation with reliable, up-to-date information on regulations that impact them. The combination relaunch/rebrand comes courtesy of the HIV Justice Network (HJN), according to a news release.

 

Formerly found at HIVTravel.org, the database includes guidance, news, stories about traveling with HIV, a searchable country directory and much more. You can watch a video about Positive Destinations at the top of this article and on YouTube.

 

Although the number of countries with HIV travel restrictions has declined in recent years, 56 countries still have some entry regulations for people living with HIV, and seven don’t allow entry at all, including Brunei, Jordan and United Arab Emirates, according to Positive Destinations.

 

The ability to travel, migrate or relocate safely ought to be available to everyone. For people living with HIV, short- or long-term travel sometimes involves answering questions about their HIV status on visa forms, navigating mandatory health screenings, enduring border officials with limited knowledge of laws and considering access to their HIV treatment while abroad.

 

Positive Destinations regularly updates its website on regulations that restrict entry, stay and residency based on HIV-positive status as well as access to HIV treatment for nonnationals, according to its website.

 

While HIVtravel.org acted as the world’s most trusted resource for more than 20 years, HJN leaders believe the name Positive Destinations better represents its mission.

 

“This rebrand to Positive Destinations reflects our commitment to a world where people living with HIV, in all our diversities, can enjoy our human rights and live in dignity, without fear of unjust criminalization, regulation or control,” HJN executive director Edwin J Bernard, said in the release.

 

With this rebrand, Positive Destinations goes beyond providing information on global travel restrictions. The platform now offers additional tools to help users advocate for themselves, including regularly updated news and resources to challenge unjust restrictions.

 

The new website features a completely redesigned interface optimized for mobile phones, making it easier to access information on travel and treatment on the go. What’s more, it links users to local organizations in various countries that can help migrants with HIV access services. The platform also highlights stories of successful advocacy to foster understanding and solidarity.

 

“With this platform, we aim to amplify the voices of those most affected and build a movement that challenges and changes unjust, unscientific policies,” Bernard said. “Travel or relocation for love, work, family or pleasure should be available to everyone, regardless of HIV status, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every destination is a truly positive destination for all.”

 

Go here to browse its redesigned website and its new features.

 

To read more, click #Travel Ban. There, you’ll find articles such as “New Zealand Lifts HIV Travel Restrictions: ‘It’s a Proud Moment’,” “A Very, Very Brief History of HIV” and “Justice For All.”