HIV/AIDS policy

Introduction

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are serious public health problems, which have socio-economic, employment and human rights implications. HIV knows no social, gender, age or racial boundaries, but it is accepted that socio-economic circumstances do influence disease patterns. In the manner in which we work as an organisation HIV/AIDS is not viewed in a sense that it could harm children to death as we consider and treat all our employees and beneficiaries.

Objectives

  • Treat everyone equal and with respect regardless of their status.
  • Include all genders in projects and the execution of ideas.
  • Provide equal opportunities to everyone that is in the organisation.

Policy Principles

  • When creating projects there should not be any form of stereotyping.
  • If employees are medically fit, they should be able to work without bwing side-lined.
  • The employees/beneficiaries’ condition should not be the result of dismissal from work or the NPO.
  • Everyone who has the condition should not be treated any different but should be given the opportunity to treat the condition.

Legal Framework

 The Code should be read in conjunction with the Constitution of South Africa Act, No. 108 of 1996, and all relevant Legislation which includes the following:

(i) Employment Equity Act, No. 55 of 1998.
(ii) Labour Relations Act, No. 66 of 1995.
(iii) Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993.
(iv) Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, No. 130 of 1993.
(v) Basic Conditions of Employment Act, No. 75 of 1997; and
(vi) Medical Schemes Act, No. 131 of 1998.
(vii) Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, No. 4 of 2000. (National Bargaining Council 2022)

HIV Testing, Confidentiality and Disclosure

  • The testing done is totally private and an employee is not forced to say where they are going.
  • The testing should be provided for free.
  • The results do not have to be reported unless they have an impact on the employee’s ability to work.
  • Authorized testing. Employers must approach the Labour Court for authorization in, amongst others, the following circumstances:
  • (i) during an application for employment.
  • (ii) as a condition of employment.
  • (iii) during procedures related to the termination of employment.
  • (iv) as an eligibility requirement for training or staff development programmes; and
  • (v) as an access requirement to obtain employee benefits. (National Bargaining Council 2022)
1 December, 2011

HIV/AIDS Eradication chain initiative from Smile Foundation

On the occasion of World Aids Day, December 1, 2011, Smile Foundation’s Girl Child and Women Empowerment initiative, Swabhiman, organised an HIV/ Aids eradication campaign in the Shri Ram J.J. Camp in Delhi. This campaign was conducted with the support from Population Foundation of India (PFI) and Lotus Herbal. The aim of the camp was to sensitize the community dwellers about the cause and cure of HIV/AIDS. Community women & adolescent girls and boys joined Swabhiman health volunteers in sensitizing the community dwellers.

Prof. Mohini Bhattacharya, Director, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Ms. Parul from PFI and Dr. Ira, Project Director of Health & Care were also present as special guests. Various sensitizing activities like poster making, slogan writing, and street plays designed to sensitize whole community including women, men, adolescent girls and boys towards the causes and prevention of HIV/ AIDS.

The guests of honors also had some healthy discussion with the community women and adolescent girls about Aids Eradication. The sensitized women and girl child also gave their opinions in the formation of eradication process.

The whole event turned out to be very successful in terms of the sensitizing the community dwellers and also building an invaluable relationship with the corporate partners.

Counselors having a counselling session with the Swabhiman beneficiaries

Population Foundation of India (PFI) is a national non-government organization at the forefront of policy advocacy and research on population issues in the country. Established in 1970.

Lotus Herbals is a reputed, trusted and valued natural products’ brand. Formulated in India, it has the distinction of being one of the most sought-after brands in many Asian and European countries.