Peace Corps initiated HIV screening in 1987. Volunteers have been screened both prior to, and at the end of, service since 1989. Since 1989, 38 Volunteers have tested positive for HIV during service. The Health of the Volunteer 2008 Report
Prior to 2008, it seems that volunteers testing HIV positive were automatically medically separated from the Peace Corps.
In 2008, HIV positive volunteer Jeremiah Johnson (Ukraine) joined with ACLU to legally challenge the Peace Corps HIV Policy.
Poz.com- Jeremiah Johnson's Story
ACLU- Jeremiah Johnson Case
Edge- ACLU Challenge to Peace Corps
Another HIV positive volunteer, Rebeccah (Burkina Faso), came forward with her story and supported Jeremiah and the ACLU's challenge to Peace Corps.
Under pressure from ACLU, Peace Corps seems to clarify their HIV Policy in mid 2008. Peace Corps states that their policy is to review each volunteer's case on an individual basis.
Peace Corps Response to ACLU
Later in 2008, Elizabeth (Zambia & Lesotho) seems to be the first HIV positive volunteer to avoid medical separation and return to complete her service with the Peace Corps.
Due to confidentiality reasons, it is difficult to discern whether other HIV positive volunteers have since returned to service, although I found this one article that mentions one additional HIV positive volunteer, Craig, returning to and completing his service.
Volunteer Positive- Craig
In September 2011, I tested positive for HIV and was medically evacuated back to theUnited States
Prior to 2008, it seems that volunteers testing HIV positive were automatically medically separated from the Peace Corps.
In 2008, HIV positive volunteer Jeremiah Johnson (Ukraine) joined with ACLU to legally challenge the Peace Corps HIV Policy.
Poz.com- Jeremiah Johnson's Story
ACLU- Jeremiah Johnson Case
Edge- ACLU Challenge to Peace Corps
Another HIV positive volunteer, Rebeccah (Burkina Faso), came forward with her story and supported Jeremiah and the ACLU's challenge to Peace Corps.
Under pressure from ACLU, Peace Corps seems to clarify their HIV Policy in mid 2008. Peace Corps states that their policy is to review each volunteer's case on an individual basis.
Peace Corps Response to ACLU
Later in 2008, Elizabeth (Zambia & Lesotho) seems to be the first HIV positive volunteer to avoid medical separation and return to complete her service with the Peace Corps.
Due to confidentiality reasons, it is difficult to discern whether other HIV positive volunteers have since returned to service, although I found this one article that mentions one additional HIV positive volunteer, Craig, returning to and completing his service.
Volunteer Positive- Craig
In September 2011, I tested positive for HIV and was medically evacuated back to the
Hey. It been a long time...I hope you are well. I feel a little less alone knowing you are out there. I checked out that article about Craig. It said he was a Peace Corps alumn. Unless I read it wrong, he was infected after he served and returned to his service country as a lay man. You continue to inspire me. Love, Elizabeth
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