Voluntary HIV counselling and testing for the workforce in ASEAN is crucial since nine out of ten people living with HIV belong to the most productive age group (15-49 years).

To achieve HIV/AIDS global fast-track targets, this Guideline will complement the ASEAN Guideline on Essential Workplace Action for Enterprises in the Prevention and Management of HIV and AIDS in ASEAN Member States (AMS). Each AMS is welcomed to adopt the recommendations in conjunction with their prevailing national legislation and policies.

This ASEAN Guidelines on HIV Counselling and Testing in the Workplace is targeted for the governments of AMS, the ASEAN Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (ASEAN-BCA), national business coalition on HIV/AIDS, companies (public and private sectors), employers and their representatives, workers and their representatives, HIV/AIDS-related NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs), national or commercial health insurers, donors or other funding agencies related to HIV/AIDS and civil society organisations (CSO). Existing policies in individual AMS and at the enterprise level may apply for HIV counselling and testing for the workforce at the workplace or other settings and may be done in consultation with relevant ministries.

The principles of Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing (VCT) in the workplace consist of the protection of workers’ rights, non-discrimination, voluntary, consent, confidentiality, concise HIV pre-testing information, counselling after HIV testing (post-testing), gender equality, inclusiveness,a holistic approach, collaboration, prevention and meaningful community engagement.

Inter-sectoral collaboration and strategic partnerships are needed to connect treatment, care and support for workers and their families in the workplace or other settings. The network model of collaboration between AMS should always have an equal and respectful position while honouring the national laws and regulations in AMS.

Voluntary HIV counselling and testing mechanisms for the workforce include providing sufficient information about HIV/AIDS, encouraging workers’ interest regarding HIV voluntary counselling and testing, conducting multiple tests and HIV self-testing. A follow-up plan for HIV test results needs to be established by providing facilities, networking, and empowering the company health workers.

HIV VCT in the workplace or other settings needs to be monitored and evaluated regularly to enable its effectiveness and success at the company or national level. This monitoring and evaluation system may be adjusted to each stakeholder’s arrangement and individual AMS policies.