We are happy to share with you two reports on discrimination against people living with HIV in healthcare settings: 11-country comparative legal report focusing on discrimination against PLHIV in healthcare settings as patients and 6-country comparative legal report on discrimination against PLHIV working in healthcare settings.
The reports were developed in the framework of the European HIV Legal Forum, a project of AIDS Action Europe, where surveys were conducted in European and Central Asian countries to benchmark legislation and policies on discrimination and limitation of PLHIV when it comes to healthcare settings.
Read the report "Discrimination against PLHIV in Healthcare Settings"
Read the report "Discrimination against PLHIV working in healthcare settings"
Globally, since the beginning of the AIDS pandemic, there have only been a handful of cases registered where transmission of HIV from healthcare workers to patients has occurred. Data show that the risk of HIV transmission in healthcare settings is negligible. The widespread application of universal precautions has reduced transmission risk even further, such that unintentional transmission in healthcare settings is now virtually impossible, and occupational health services play a significant role in ensuring that PLHIV can be employed safely in healthcare roles. Thus, measures, recommendations, or regulations that result in the disclosure of a healthcare worker’s HIV status are of no benefit to patients but carry a high risk of discrimination for PLHIV in the healthcare sector.
The healthcare sector represents an area where people living with HIV are very vulnerable, as they usually have to disclose their HIV-status to their healthcare providers. It could be argued that, of all people, healthcare providers should be able to process this information with respect and confidentiality and refrain from any discrimination. However, in our research, numerous cases were identified where, in practice, people living with HIV were refused treatment, harassed by staff, or had their rights breached.
Policy brief on discrimination in the healthcare sector against employees and patients living with HIV
This policy brief on discrimination in the healthcare sector against employees and patients living with HIV is based on the findings of both reports and is available in English and Russian. This policy brief gives an overview of the main findings and provides legal and practical recommendations on how to improve the situation of PLHIV in healthcare settings.
Read the Policy Brief in English
Read the Policy Brief in Russian