Aids campaigners say that blood collection centers in Poland disqualifying homosexuals as potential donors is a harmful stereotype and the policy should revised.

Even though there is a great shortage of blood in the banks, homosexuals are not allowed to give blood in Poland, since they are regarded as HIV virus carriers.

Representatives of the National Center for AIDS underline that this stereotype has reigned for years in Poland. No one takes into account that accidental sexual contacts are equally threatening for both heterosexuals and homosexuals .

Data of the National Health Institute show that among AIDS infected people in the years 2004—2008,  48 percent of cases were drug addicts, 20% heterosexuals and only 12 percent homosexuals. (ab)