WHO, International Labor Organization, UNAIDS Release Guidelines to Prevent Transmission of HIV, TB to Health Workers

A new set of guidelines developed by the International Labor Organization, the WHO and UNAIDS "aim to protect health workers" from contracting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, VOA News reports (Schlein, 11/25). "The 14 action points provided in the guidelines are based on respect for workers' rights as well as practical workplace health and safety programmes to ensure a safer work environment, active participation of health workers as well as public and private health services employers. The guidelines also address challenges such as the high level of stigma and discrimination associated with both diseases," according to a WHO press release. The organizations used "systematic literature reviews, international consultations and an assessment of current practices in 21 country-based studies" to create the guidelines, which also consolidate existing recommendations (11/19).

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