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South African Nursing Council HIV/AIDS Policy
South African Nursing Council is committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS
South African Nursing Council pledges its commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Council is entrusted by Parliament with the responsibility of ensuring the protection of the public and will do everything in its power to make sure that HIV/AIDS patients get the care they deserve.
Rights of patients who are HIV-positive and patients with AIDS
The view of South African Nursing Council is that the ethical problems with the nursing of HIV/AIDS patients arise mainly from faulty perceptions.
These patients have the right to:
- confidentiality;
- non-judgemental, effective nursing according to personal needs;
- empathy for the social dilemma of AIDS and HIV-positive patients;
- expert accompaniment for themselves, their families and communities, in order to continue a normal, responsible life;
- protection and life, in the case of the unborn child.
Council condemns:
- Discrimination against HIV/AIDS-infected patients;
- Violation of confidentiality.
South African Nursing Council views HIV/AIDS as a national emergency
The Nursing Council:
- contemplates a strong partnership with the National Department of Health and all stakeholders who wage war against HIV/AIDS;
- includes care for HIV/AIDS patients and management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the National Curriculum Guidelines;
- works closely with the Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) on HIV/AIDS;
- includes in its Quality Promotion Visit Instrument the implementation of Batho Pele and care for the HIV/AIDS patient;
- is involved in the World Aids Day Partnership Festival;
- was represented at the International HIV/AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa (10 – 14 July 2000) by Mrs N E Bhengu, Mr S B Nene, Prof R V Gumbi and Dr G Ramadi.