Model policy

WELLBEING: HIV AND AIDS, PREVENTION AND CARE:
Model policy

1 <Center> acknowledges the seriousness of the HIV and AIDS pandemic; seeks to minimize the social, economic and developmental consequences of HIV and AIDS to the Center and its staff; and commits itself to providing resources and leadership to implement a compassionate HIV and AIDS program. <Center> will continue developing and implementing its HIV and AIDS policy and programs in consultation with staff members and their representatives.

2 <Center> will:

provide ongoing education programs and resources about HIV and AIDS;
take initiatives to prevent staff exposure to HIV, particularly through the provision of condoms, PEP kits and information about sources of safe blood supplies in the event of accident/injury;
provide individuals living with HIV and AIDS with the same employment opportunities, rights and benefits (e.g. pension, life-insurance) as people with other serious or life-threatening diseases;
facilitate access to HAART treatment for staff living with HIV and AIDS;
not require any staff member to undergo HIV testing. Where testing is done it will be at the voluntary request of the employee and will be accompanied by counseling;
maintain the confidentiality of HIV status of any staff member at all times;
foster a spirit of compassion and understanding throughout the organization for HIV and AIDS-infected people, and ensure that staff living with HIV and AIDS receive the dignity and respect due all staff members, and protect them against discrimination.