The Joint WHO-ILO-UNAIDS policy guidelines on improving health workers’ access to HIV and TB prevention, treatment, care and support services: A guidance note

Health workers take care of people with illnesses and counsel people to protect their health and prevent HIV and tuberculosis (TB). However, health workers are at particular risk of occupational exposure to HIV and TB by nature of their work environment. Unfortunately, they often lack adequate access to preventive measures such as personal protective supplies or equipments as well as treatment access. The Joint WHO-ILO-UNAIDS 14-point policy guidelines have been developed to respond to this need and contribute to the promotion of universal access to HIV and TB prevention, treatment, care and support. These Guidelines are developed by health workers and health service employers, in collaboration with the ministries of health and ministries of labour through the collaboration of the International Labour Organization, the World Health Organization and UNAIDS. The new policy guidelines cover guidance on:
1) National Policies, including rights, legislation and social protection schemes;
2) Workplace actions, including workplace policies, programmes and training;
3) Budget allocation, monitoring and evaluation, which involve both national and workplace coordination.

The Guiding principles for the Guidelines are based on respect for:
• Workers’ rights and human rights
• Gender equity
• Primary prevention
• Effectiveness and efficiency
• Involvement of people living with HIV, TB, or both
• Active participation of health workers, their representatives and their employers