HIV/AIDS POLICY

“Protecting Health, Upholding Dignity, Empowering Communities.”

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to affirm LNare Foundation’s commitment to creating a workplace and community environment that is non-discriminatory, informed, and compassionate towards people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS.

The Foundation recognizes HIV/AIDS as a significant public health issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities, and commits to contributing to prevention, education, and support initiatives consistent with our mission of socio-economic redress and human development.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All employees, volunteers, board members, and partners of LNare Foundation.

All individuals and communities served through our programs and outreach initiatives.

3. Policy Statement

LNare Foundation upholds the principles of equality, confidentiality, compassion, and inclusion.

We recognize that people living with HIV/AIDS have the same rights to dignity, employment, and participation as all others.

The Foundation will:

Prohibit discrimination against any person based on real or perceived HIV status.
Encourage voluntary testing and promote awareness through education.
Maintain confidentiality of all medical information.
Support access to health, counselling, and wellness resources.

4. Guiding Principles

Principle Description

Confidentiality

No employee, volunteer, or beneficiary will be required to disclose their HIV status. Any disclosure will remain strictly confidential.

Non-Discrimination

HIV status will not influence hiring, training, promotion, or participation in LNare Foundation programs.

Education & Awareness

Continuous HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programs will be integrated into community and staff initiatives.

Support & Wellness

LNare Foundation will promote access to counselling, health services, and emotional support for affected individuals.

Prevention

First Education on prevention, treatment adherence, and safe practices will be promoted among staff and communities.

5. Education and Awareness

LNare Foundation will implement:

Annual HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns for staff and communities.
Workshops on prevention, stigma reduction, and treatment literacy.
Collaboration with health organizations for testing, counselling, and resource distribution.
Information materials in local languages, tailored to community needs.

6. Confidentiality and Disclosure

HIV status is a private matter. No person shall be compelled to undergo an HIV test or reveal their results.
Any individual who voluntarily discloses their status will be treated with respect and confidentiality.
Health-related records shall be handled according to confidential medical data standards and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

7. Employment Practices

LNare Foundation ensures that:

Employees or volunteers living with HIV/AIDS shall not be unfairly dismissed, demoted, or denied opportunities.
Sick leave policies and reasonable accommodations will apply equally to all health-related conditions, including HIV/AIDS.
Recruitment, promotion, and performance assessments will be based solely on merit and ability, not health status.

8. Support and Referral

The Foundation will:

Refer individuals to appropriate healthcare facilities for counselling, testing, and treatment.
Partner with local clinics and NGOs to expand access to HIV/AIDS education and antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Promote a supportive environment through peer counselling and wellness programs.

9. Implementation and Responsibility

The Executive Director/Program Manager is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and review of this policy.
All staff and volunteers are expected to uphold its principles.
HIV/AIDS focal points or wellness champions may be designated to coordinate internal and external awareness activities.

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to align with national HIV/AIDS guidelines and the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
Feedback from employees, volunteers, and community partners will inform updates.

11. References

South African National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs (2023–2028).
Department of Labour HIV/AIDS Technical Assistance Guidelines (TAG).
World Health Organization (WHO) HIV Workplace Guidelines.
POPIA Act, 2013.

Policy Approval

This policy was approved by the Board of Directors of LNare Foundation on 2025/06/01.

Authorized by:

Lebogang Nare

Executive Director, LNare Foundation