Protecting the sexual health of workers

摘要

1. Workers in countries with high HIV prevalence are at raised risk of infection, and employers should consider what they can do to protect the health of workers, particularly in industries with large away-from-home populations, 2. A study by the National Institute of Health in Mozambique found that the HIV prevalence among mineworkers in Mozambique was 22.3%, against a prevalence of 11.5% in the general adult population, 3. Providing antiretroviral therapy to workers at the Debswana mining company in Botswana was not only of direct benefit to the individuals, but also helped reduce long-term absenteeism 4. The ILO Recommendation and Code of practice on HIV and AIDS in the world of work seek to prohibit mandatory screening for HIV at recruitment or during employment to avoid discrimination, 5. The Recommendation and Code also encourage confidential voluntary screening for existing employees to enable access to treatment 6. A mandate of non-discrimination against infected employees is a key element of a corporate HIV/AIDS policy, helping to reduce stigma and encourage testing and treatment.