Portal seeks to create well-informed workplaces where employees support each other
The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) has launched a new support portal to help employers address human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the workplace.
The new Workplace HIV Support Portal encourages employers to pledge their commitment to a three-tier approach on managing HIV at work. The approach includes:
- Workplace education
- Creating a supportive and inclusive workplace environment
- Establishing policies to effectively address HIV in the workplace
A total of 96 employers have so far pledged to implementing the approach, close to the SNEF's goal of 100 organisations by the end of the year.
According to the SNEF, the portal acknowledges the critical role of employers in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
"Misinformation about HIV can lead to stigma and discrimination," said SNEF senior director Jerry Seah in a statement. "It's time to eliminate these barriers by creating well-informed workplace environments where all employees support each other, regardless of their health status, and where employers implement progressive policies."
The SNEF added that its new portal is aligned with UNAIDS goals of ensuring that by 2030, 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed with HIV receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those receiving ART have viral suppression
Other benefits from the portal
Adopting the three-tier approach will also enhance employers' reputations in creating a more inclusive workplace, according to the SNEF.
It can also reduce absenteeism and healthcare costs, as well as attract more top talent for an organisation.
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In Singapore, the Ministry of Health recorded 104 new cases of HIV/AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, in the first half of 2023. This brings the country's total cases to 9,435 since the record began in 1985.