1. Definitions

Affected employee

An employee who is affected in any way by HIV/AIDS e.g. if they have a partner or a family member who is HIV positive.

AIDS

AIDS is the acronym for 'acquired immune deficiency syndrome'. AIDS is the clinical definition given to the onset of certain life-threatening infections in persons whose immune systems have ceased to function correctly as a result of infection with HIV.

Counselling

Counselling is defined as a confidential dialogue between a client and a trained counsellor aimed at enabling the client to cope with stress and take personal decisions related to HIV/AIDS. Counselling may be provided by a professional or a lay counsellor.

HIV

HIV is the acronym for 'human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus which attacks and may ultimately destroy the body's natural immune system.

HIV testing

taking a medical test to determine a person's HIV status. This may include written or verbal questions inquiring about previous HIV tests; questions related to the assessment of 'risk behaviour' (for example questions regarding sexual practices, the number of sexual partners or sexual orientation); and any other indirect methods designed to ascertain an employee's or job applicant's HIV status.

HIV positive

Having tested positive for HIV infection.

Infected employee

An employee who has tested positive for HIV or has been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

Informed consent

The process of obtaining consent from a patient ensures that the person fully understands the nature and implications of the test before giving his or her agreement to it.

Occupational Exposure

Exposure to blood or other body fluids, which may be HIV-infected, during the course of carrying out work duties.

Opportunistic infections

Infections occur because a person's immune system is so weak that it cannot fight the infections.

Peer education

Sharing of information by people of similar backgrounds and experiences (for example, similar ages, occupations or life experiences).

Policy

A document setting out an organization’s position on a particular issue.

Reasonable Accommodation

Means any modification or adjustment to a job or workplace that is reasonably practicable and will enable a person living with HIV or AIDS to have access to or participate or advance in employment.

STDs

Acronym for 'sexually transmitted diseases these are infections passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse, including syphilis, gonorrhoea and HIV.

Surveillance Testing

This is anonymous, unlinked testing which is done in order to determine the incidence and prevalence of disease within a particular community or group to provide information to control prevent and manage the disease.