Agencies to launch HIV-testing programme 'at the workplace'
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A voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) programme, which aims to help cut HIV infections, was launched in Bangkok yesterday by the International Labour Organisation, UNAids and the Thailand Business Coalition on Aids.
The programme aims to get 100,000 workers to undergo voluntary tests for the virus at their workplaces by the end of 2015. The main goal of VCT@WORK is to assist people to become aware of their HIV status early so they can continue to maintain healthy and productive lives.
Panisara “Opal” Pimpru, an actress and TV presenter, who is also the VCT@WORK spokeswoman, said: “HIV is like any other virus, and early detection and treatment is the first step towards a normal, healthy life.”
Anthony Pramualratana, a senior adviser for the Thailand Business Coalition on Aids, said: “In Thailand HIV testing and treatment is offered for free through a number of public health schemes, but the challenge has been to make it known that the treatment is available, it is free, and is highly effective. Businesses can play a central role in getting this message out.”
An estimated 480,000 people are living with HIV in Thailand, but only 240,000 are being treated.
The use of HIV test services in Thailand remains low, however, with only 40 per cent of high-risk groups engaging in tests in the past year, the ministry said.
Maurizio Bussi, officer-in-charge for the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, said: “The workplace is a critical bridge between prevention education and treatment.
“We have seen the power of workplaces for delivering prevention messages in Thailand, but now it is time we turn our attention to getting more workers on treatment, particularly in vulnerable industries.”
Protecting the employment rights of people living with HIV is also a key requirement for expanding testing and treatment through the workplace. Thai labour policies make it clear workplaces should not discriminate against people with the Aids virus and that confidentiality about HIV status in the workplace should be maintained.
Sawit Kaew-wan, of the State Enterprise Workers’ Relations Confederation, said: “Workers are more likely to go for an HIV test when they know that their rights will be protected. The first step is always a conducive policy environment.”
