Joint ILO/WHO guidelines on health services and HIV/AIDS

These guidelines, produced jointly by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), aim to promote sound management of HIV and AIDS in health services. The guidelines have been designed as the basis for practical policy and technical reference and are intended for governments, public and private employers, workers and their representatives, and all other groups and bodies who are involved in the delivery of health care. They reflect ILO’s code of practice on HIV and AIDS, which includes gender equality, non-discrimination, social dialogue, prevention and care, and support. The guidelines cover legislation, policy development, labour relations, occupational health and safety and other technical subjects. They also identify roles and responsibilities and set out key policies and actions for good management.

The guidelines are accompanied by 12 fact sheets which cover relevant technical aspects of occupational safety and health. The fact sheets include information on: injection safety; measures to reduce risks during surgical procedures; sterilisation and high-level disinfection methods; and safe management of wastes from health care activities. The fact sheets also provide detailed guidance on workplace education and training and highlight key sources on HIV and AIDS related policy, and regulatory and technical information available on the Internet. [adapted from author]