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HIV Facts
About the Human Immune System
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The immune system is made up of CD4 white blood cells that protect the body against illness.
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A healthy person has about 200-600 CD4 white blood cells per ml of blood.
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These levels naturally fluctuate - if you become ill your CD4 cell count drops (e.g. when you contract the common flu). As you recover, the cell count improves.
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When HIV enters the body, the body responds by creating anti-bodies to fight the virus.
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However, HIV ‘hijacks’ mainly the CD4 cells and makes millions of copies of itself every day, killing billions of CD4 cells.
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As the years progress, the immune system becomes tired by fighting the HIV, and more CD4 cells are destroyed.
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As the CD4 cells are destroyed, the amount of virus (viral load) in the body increases and the immune system becomes weak and loses its ability to fight illness and infections.
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HIV/AIDS Surveillance Data in Sri Lanka
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HIV AIDS is a Workplace Issue
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HIV/AIDS is a workplace Issue; it impacts both the workers and the company. If not addressed and policies amended, it may lead to falling productivity and rising cost for the company.
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If the current rate of infection continues, the projected cumulative loss of the labour force due to AIDS by the end of 2010 is estimated to be 48 million, and by 2015 it is to be a staggering 74 million. It is crucial to keep in mind that 2/3 of new infections can be prevented.
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Businesses must respond to HIV and AIDS as it affects the most productive age group and threatens workplace productivity. Thus, businesses must take responsibility for their employees. The workplace provides an ideal venue to initiate effective programmes.
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Businesses must act responsibly when handling this sensitive issue. It must work towards creating an enabling environment that is conducive for behavioural change amongst employees engaging in risk behaviours, eradicating the stigma and discrimination related to employment, as well as respect confidentiality amongst its employees, and establish a healthy work environment.
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There are several effective approaches businesses can adopt to prevent the spread of HIV and to mitigate its impact on the business, establishing a Workplace AIDS Committee, adopting a Workplace AIDS Policy (based on the 10 Key principles of the ILO Code of Practice), implementing a Workplace HIV Prevention Programme, establishing linkages with local HIV service providers, and improving access to information and services at the workplace are a few examples.
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