US removes HIV/Aids travel restriction

The US has lifted its travel ban on people with HIV and Aids.

Under the previous ruling, which had stood for 22 years, individuals with the infections were unable to enter the country.

However, President Obama has now lifted the restriction, suggesting that it does not fit with the nation's plans to be a major force in fighting the disease.

Rachel Tiven, head of Immigration Equality, told the BBC that the ban could have affected a major event which aims to raise awareness and help tackle HIV and Aids.

She said: "The 2012 World Aids Conference, due to be held in the US, was in jeopardy as a result of the restrictions. It's now likely to go ahead as planned."

Ms Tiven also told the BBC that the move to lift the travel restriction was overdue.

The decision to remove the ban was first announced last year and was backed by the United Nations, which urged all other countries with similar restrictions to consider lifting them.

News brought to you by Global Health TV, connecting health communities