A LABOR group expressed support for a Department of Health (DoH) policy that makes tests for the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) optional for employees.This is a “more viable government response to a very insidious spread of HIV” compared to mandatory testing, Associated Labor Unions executive vice-president Gerard R. Seno said in a press statement.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the prevalence of the diseases in the country is relatively low, however, the country is “one of only seven countries globally” where there has been an increase in HIV cases from 2001.
A total of 4,814 cases of HIV/AIDS were noted in 2013, data from the DoH HIV (Human Immonodeficiency Virus) and AIDS registry showed.
For its part, the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) has yet to come up with a definite stand on the matter as its members remain unable to arrive at a consensus due to the contentions raised -- that the proposed policy would subject infected individuals to stigma and discrimination.
“There is no right or wrong in the opposing arguments offered by government and advocates,” Mr. Seno said. “(W)e have to address the problem as quickly as possible without infringing the right of an individual in making choices for himself.”
The TUCP has been taking up steps to address HIV/AIDS discrimination in the country and has recently partnered with the PNAC, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, the DoH, PhilHealth, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to conduct seminars on this.
“The seminar module was designed to mainstream ALU organized workers with HIV and AIDS and to empower participants with a conviction to share the information with their relatives, friends, and co-workers,” TUCP Spokesperson Alan A. Tanjusay said.
The DoH is currently lobbying for the adoption of the policy in the amendments currently made in the National AIDS Law.
Officials from the DoH could not be reached for further comment. -- J.V.D. Cabuenas / Bworldonline
