Understanding HIV: Risks and Prevention for Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong

(Published on April 11, 2024)

In 2023, a total of 397 cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection were reported in Hong Kong, according to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH). This represents a slight decrease from the 409 cases reported in 2022. Since the first case of HIV infection was reported in Hong Kong in 1984, the cumulative total of reported HIV infections has reached 12,038​ (AIDS.gov.hk)​.

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, often called T cells. These cells are crucial for the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and diseases. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease anymore, leading to the most advanced stage of HIV infection: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

HIV is transmitted through certain bodily fluids of an infected person, such as blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk. The virus can be transmitted in several ways, including through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, sharing needles or syringes, from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, and through transfusions of infected blood.

Unlike some other viruses, the human body can’t get rid of HIV completely, even with treatment. So once someone has HIV, they have it for life. However, with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). If taken as prescribed, ART can dramatically prolong the lives of many people infected with HIV, keep them healthy, and greatly lower their chance of transmitting the virus to others. Today, someone diagnosed with HIV and treated before the disease is far advanced can live nearly as long as someone who does not have HIV.

Can Helper Insurance cover HIV treatment costs?

Whether helper insurance covers HIV treatment costs depends on the specific insurance policy purchased by the employer for their domestic helper. In Hong Kong, employers are required to provide insurance coverage for their domestic helpers, which typically includes medical insurance. However, the extent of the coverage, including whether it covers chronic conditions or specific illnesses like HIV, can vary significantly between policies.

Key Considerations

• Policy Details: Employers should carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance policy to understand what is covered and any exclusions that may apply. It’s important to check if the policy covers long-term medical conditions or specifically excludes HIV/AIDS treatment.
• See also: Domestic Helper Insurance
• Additional Coverage: Some standard policies might offer limited coverage for HIV treatment or exclude it altogether. In such cases, employers may need to purchase additional health insurance coverage that explicitly includes treatment for HIV/AIDS to ensure their domestic helpers have access to necessary medical care.
• Government and NGO Support: In addition to insurance, there may be government programs or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Hong Kong that provide support for HIV treatment. These programs can offer additional financial assistance or access to medication for individuals living with HIV.
• Seek Public and NGO Resources: Look into public health services and NGOs that support HIV-positive individuals, which can offer supplementary support for treatment and care, such as AIDS Concern.

Employers have a responsibility to ensure their domestic helpers receive the medical care they need. Choosing the right insurance policy and being aware of additional resources available for HIV treatment are important steps in fulfilling this responsibility.

How Can Domestic Helper Prevent HIV in Hong Kong?

Preventing HIV transmission is a critical public health goal worldwide, and for domestic helpers in Hong Kong, there are specific strategies and resources available to help minimise their risk. It’s important for domestic helpers, like anyone else, to have access to accurate information and resources on HIV prevention. Here are several strategies that can be effective:

1. Education and Awareness

• HIV Education: Knowledge about how HIV is transmitted and prevented is crucial. Domestic helpers should be informed about the modes of HIV transmission and prevention strategies through workshops, pamphlets, and community health talks.
• Safe Sex Practices: Using condoms correctly and consistently is one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV transmission. Education about safe sex practices is essential.

2. Access to Health Services

• HIV Testing: Regular HIV testing is important for knowing one’s status. Free or low-cost testing services are available in many clinics and hospitals in Hong Kong.
• Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. Information about and access to PrEP should be provided to those at high risk.

3. Support

• Social Support: Support from employers, fellow domestic helpers, and NGOs can provide a network of care and information. Support groups can offer a safe space for discussions and emotional support.

4. Community Outreach

• Outreach Programmes: NGOs and health organisations often run outreach programmes aimed at migrant domestic workers, including domestic helpers, offering education, free condoms, HIV testing, and counselling services.
• Multilingual Resources: Since domestic helpers in Hong Kong may come from various countries, providing resources and support in multiple languages can help ensure that the information is accessible to everyone.

By focusing on education, access to health services, support systems, community outreach, and empowerment, domestic helpers in Hong Kong can take significant steps towards preventing HIV infection.

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Contract And Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids | HelperChoice | An Ethical Maid Agency In Hong Kong

About HelperChoice

HelperChoice is a reputable maid agency that holds a valid license approved by the Labour Department Hong Kong. The agency offers an online platform for direct hiring of domestic helpers and facilitates visa processing service specifically for Filipino maids. With a vast network, HelperChoice has successfully served over 75,000 employers in Hong Kong and Singapore, providing employers access to a pool of more than 20,000 domestic worker profiles. The agency maintains collaborative partnerships with local NGOs, including Enrich Hong Kong, Help For Domestic Workers, and PathFinders, organizing workshops and webinars to support the welling being and the employment rights of foreign migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.

Contract And Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids

Employers are required to renew the employment contract and visa for foreign domestic helpers every two years at the Immigration Department and the respective Consulate. If you need assistance with processing the contract and visa for a Filipino maid, you can reach out to the HelperChoice team via Whatsapp. Normally, the visa renewal takes around two weeks to complete. Most visa processing packages include a mandatory two-year insurance coverage for domestic workers. For more info, pleasecontact us via Whatsapp.

See also: Visa Processing Service For Filipino Domestic Workers

Did You Know?

Premium Members (members who subscribed to the paid service on HelperChoice platform) can get a 10% discount on visa process service, including both local hire and overseas hire. Register now!

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