SPE 108852

HIV/AIDSA Company Perspective

Aran Khantong, Chevron Thailand

Copyright 2007, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Asia Pacific Health, Safety, Security and
Environment Conference and Exhibition held in Bangkok, Thailand, 1012 September 2007.
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Abstract
HIV infection is one of the most health concerns
worldwide. It has been estimated that about 46 million (2005)
was infected with HIV with the yearly increase of 5.5 million
new cases. Working age group is mostly affected.
Its a substantial threat with enormous human impact and
social, economic and risks that directly affect the employees
as well as the business.
The effective and proper strategy should be planned for
the business to cope with this challenge. The measures should
extend from prevention to treatment with the preservation of
individuals confidentiality and acceptance of diversity to
ensure that the workforce are well protected, educated and
would receive the adequate medical care if needed.
This paper will describe the measures and experience in
implementing the HIV/AIDS program in Chevron Thailand

HIV/AIDS A Company Perspective

HIV infection is one of the most serious health concerns
worldwide. It has been estimated that there are approximately
40 million people living with HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS/WHONovember 2006).
With 56,000 employees in approximately 180 countries,
the widespread impact of HIV/AIDS presents a direct threat
not only to the Chevron employees, but also to long-term
business interests.

Typically striking people between the ages of 20 and 40,

this disease threatens the sustainability of the workforce by
attacking one of the most productive segments. Those who
contract the disease are our co-workers, our friends and, in
some cases, our relatives.
Helping to combat HIV/AIDS is one of the clearest
examples of how Chevron's long-term business interests and
commitment to corporate social responsibility are intrinsically
linked. With operations in some of the countries most severely
affected by this health crisis - investing in and implementing a
Global HIV/AIDS Policy is without question an important
social responsibility.
Implementation of the company's HIV/AIDS policy began
more than a decade ago in South Africa, Nigeria and Angola
and was developed in conjunction with various independent
experts and agencies. In 2005, the HIV/AIDS program was
extended to Chevron operations worldwide.
The objectives of the Chevron Global HIV/AIDS Policy
are:
- To prevent new infections
- To support those who are infected or affected
- To reduce the stigma of HIV in the workplace.
To accomplish these objectives, the key provisions of the
policy include:
- Ensuring non-discrimination
- Avoiding pre-employment HIV testing and not basing
employment decisions on HIV status
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Providing treatment and support
- Developing local partnerships
- Conducting workplace and community outreach
programs.
Thailand, with a population of 64 million, was estimated to
have 580,000 people living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2005
(UNAIDS/WHO- 2006). The majority of those infected were
adults at the primary working age of 15 to 49 (ILO).
Chevron is one of the major oil and gas companies in
Thailand with approximately 1500 employees and 3500
contractors. The company has launched a strategy in line with
the global policy to cope with this challenge.

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SPE 108852

Chevron Thailand has implemented the following specific

policy provisions:
Non-discrimination
- Employees will not be dismissed on the grounds
of HIV status.
- HIV status is not a factor in employment,
transfer or promotion decisions.
- HIV infected employees will be treated in the
same manner as other employees with various
medical conditions.
- The company will not conduct pre and post
employment HIV tests.
Confidentiality and Disclosure
- Employees are not required to disclose their HIV
status. Only medical professionals and persons
authorized by the HIV infected employees can
access personal data related to HIV status.
- Employees are however encouraged to disclose
their HIV status as early as possible so that the
company can arrange appropriate services for
them and their families.
Continuation of Employment
- HIV infection is not a cause for termination of
employment.
- HIV infected employees can continue their work
as long as they are medically fit for available and
appropriate jobs.
- Opportunistic medical conditions may require
HIV infected employees to take medical leave.
After medical clearance, they will be able to
resume their normal duties.
Care, Support and Treatment
- The company offers Voluntary Confidential
Counseling and Testing (VCCT) to all Chevron
employees and family members.
- HIV infected Chevron employees and families
are eligible to receive anti-viral drugs and
treatment for opportunistic infections through
reliable medical resources.
Prevention and Awareness
- HIV/AIDS management training program
- HIV/AIDS train-the trainer program
- Peer Education
- Workplace training structure
- HIV/AIDS training for the family
Community Outreach
- Provide fund raising to support local HIV/AIDS
organizations.
- Promote health education for surrounding
communities.
Contractor Companies
- Influence contract companies to provide similar
care for their workers.
- Share information and update knowledge with
contract employees and their employers.

HIV/AIDS is a serious issue with humanitarian, economic

and political elements. Without proper planning to protect and
manage our human resources, HIV/AIDS will threaten our
sustainable development. Chevron believes that multinational
companies have a strong role to play in the global effort to
find solutions to HIV/AIDS, as well as other infectious
diseases.

Reference
Chevron Corportate. Policy 260 HIV/AIDS. 2005.
International Labour Organization.FACTS ON HIV/AIDS and the
World of Work. 2005, from
http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_i
nformation/index.htm
UNAIDS. Epidemiological Fact Sheets on HIV/AIDS and Sexual
Transmitted Infections 2006 Update (Electronic Version).
December, 2006. from
http://www.who.int/GlobalAtlas/predefinedReports/EFS2006/in
dex.asp (Access June 1, 2007)
UNAIDS. Epidemiological Fact Sheets on HIV/AIDS and Sexual
Transmitted Infections, Thailand, 2006 Update (Electronic
Version). December, 2006. from
http://www.who.int/GlobalAtlas/predefinedReports/EFS2006/in
dex.asp (Access June 1, 2007)

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