As a result, these systems pose considerable risks for people with HIV, raise doubts about the data they might collect, and distract from the implementation of proven HIV prevention methods. Identified HIV case reporting will not yield good data. Studies show that many people with HIV will not seek testing if their names enter government lists. Other studies suggest that UIs will also deter testing. Identified HIV case reporting is not the only, or even most effective, way to gather data.
Cohort studies collect information about the epidemic without coercion.
Identified HIV case reporting will not bring people earlier into the treatment process. The advent of combination therapies suggests that people with HIV may wish to consider treatment as early as possible. But the deterrent effects of identified HIV case reporting systems means more people will not seek treatment. For example, poor people, IV drug users and people of color have historical reasons to fear their names on government lists. Identified HIV case reporting will not guarantee security.