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Aids

HIV/AIDS POLICY

POSITION STATEMENT

 

It is scientifically accepted that HIV/AIDS knows no social, gender or racial boundaries, but that socio-economic circumstances do influence disease patterns.

 

WGJS recognizes the severity of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in out society today and realises the impact it has and will continue to have on communities throughout South Africa. We therefore commit ourselves to adopting a positive and constructive policy designed to minimize the impact to learners, educators, parents and their dependants. We recognize their right to pursue as many of their normal activities as their condition allows.

 

Section 1

Environmental Design

HIV/AIDS Committee:    School Principal                        

                                          Life Orientation co-ordinator     

                                          HIV/AIDS co-ordinator                  

                                          School Counsellor                      

                                          Gov Body representative             

 

Section 2

 

Purpose, Aims and Objectives

 

WGJS commits itself to implementing an awareness programme in accordance with the curriculum requirements. Furthermore, it undertakes to present information sessions to adult members of our community - parents and employees - and will provide moral support to those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Where possible, counselling of affected persons could be provided and/or referrals made to relevant practitioners.

 

Operational Aspects

 

  • There will be no compulsory testing for HIV/AIDS, but voluntary VCT testing may be offered.
  • Persons with HIV/AIDS have the legal right to confidentiality regarding their status in this regard.
  • Educators, learners and other employees will not be required to disclose their HIV status. However, an employee who is repeatedly absent and alleges incapacity on grounds of illness will be required to furnish the Principal and/or Governing Body with a medical report on his/her capacity to do the current job.
  • If learners, educators, parents or other employees decide to voluntarily disclose their HIV/AIDS status, or any other health condition to a member of staff, it is expected that the principle of confidentiality of such disclosure be adhered to.
  • With regard to employees, healthcare benefits are provided via respective medical aid funds. Where an employee does not contribute to such a fund, he/she will be encouraged to do so. Alternatively, he/she will be encouraged to determine what state assistance is available to them. In respect of learners, the onus is on the parents or caregivers to make provision for healthcare.

 

Infection and First Aid

  • Where there may be risk at school of acquiring or transmitting HIV infection, appropriate universal precautions will be taken to reduce such risk, including clear and accurate information and training.
  • As far as possible, members of staff will complete a First Aid course and update every three years. They will be equipped with a set of precautionary guidelines, equipment and materials to protect themselves from the risk of exposure to HIV and to cater for any other eventuality.
  • Employees and learners who are suffering any infectious or contagious disease may not attend school or work until cleared by a general practitioner to do so. Similarly, head infestation prohibits attendance until treatment has taken place and the head is clear.
  • All learners/employees will dress their own wounds, where possible, and parents will be notified when an injury appears to be serious.
  • When necessary the services of the paramedics will be called upon.

 

Procedures and Tools for monitoring implementation

  • It will be the responsibility of the HIV/AIDS committee to ensure that this policy is implemented particularly with respect to the right of confidentiality and any non-compliance will be dealt with according to accepted human resource practices.
  • It will be the responsibility of the Pincipal, Life Orientation co-ordinator and the HIV/AIDS co-ordinator to ensure that the HIV/AIDS curriculum as laid down by the National and Provincial legislation is followed. Monitoring tools provided by legislation will be used to monitor this programme.

 

Section 3

 

School Situation

With regard to all matters of health, and with respect for the right of all individuals to enjoy privacy and confidentiality, WGJS will take all reasonable steps to protect learners, parents and employees for stigmatization and discrimination and will try to ensure that such people are permitted to lead as normal a life as possible.