BINTULU: Employers and industry stakeholders have been urged to strengthen inclusive workplace policies and support employees affected by HIV to enhance public health responses in the district.
Bintulu Hospital Director, Dr Suzalinna Sulaiman, said this year’s World AIDS Day theme, ‘Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response’, stressed the importance of multi-sector collaboration in ensuring comprehensive HIV prevention and management efforts.
“We need ongoing cooperation among healthcare providers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agencies, and industry players to create an informed, stigma-free work environment,” she said during the World AIDS Day commemoration held at Promenade Hotel lasy Monday.
This year’s programme focused on raising awareness of HIV prevention, the importance of early diagnosis, treatment options, and efforts to eliminate stigma – particularly in workplaces, which directly affect employees’ safety and well-being.
Suzalinna stated that employers were also encouraged to adopt policies ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and access to accurate information and healthcare services for employees living with HIV.
“Through forums and exhibitions organised during the event, all sectors have the opportunity to build new collaborative networks and explore more active roles in health promotion and worker protection programmes,” she said.
She pointed out that a strong HIV response can only be achieved through continuous participation from the government, hospitals, community organisations, and industry in Bintulu and surrounding areas.
