Managing HIV

GEMS has appointed Aid for AIDS (AfA) to manage the HIV/AIDS disease management programme for GEMS members. If a member or one of their family members are living with HIV/AIDS, registering on the HIV disease management programme can provide them with the support they need to lead a healthy and productive life for a long time.

Will information be kept confidential?

The programme is administered by a team of healthcare professionals and is managed separately from other Scheme programmes and the employer. AfA has its own confidential telephone, fax and private mailbag facilities. Every care is taken to maintain confidentiality.

What benefits are available?

Members who register on the HIV/AIDS disease management programme will have access to the following benefits:

Medication to treat HIV/AIDS (antiretroviral therapy).

Medication to treat and prevent opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS, including multi-vitamins where appropriate.
Pathology tests.

Ongoing emotional support via a Nurse-Line.

Regular monitoring of disease progression to ensure that they start treatment at the right time and that it is effective.

Clinical support and guidelines for treating doctors.

Assistance in finding a registered counsellor.

Treatment to prevent the transmission of the virus from mother-to-child (including treatment for the baby).

Treatment to prevent the transmission of the virus from accidental exposure to infected bodily fluids (sexual assault, needle stick injury).

Access to a specially trained medical team who will review their details and consult with their doctor to ensure that they receive the most appropriate treatment.

Reminders to undergo regular check-ups and tests. 

How do members register on the HIV/AIDS disease management programme?

Step 1 If members do not know their HIV status, they should ask their doctor or clinic to be tested. GEMS will pay for this test from the Block benefit and/or PMSA benefit and the doctor will be informed of the results.

Step 2  HIV-positive members can call AfA on 0860 100 646 and ask for an application form or download one here.

Step 3  You will need to help your patient to complete the form. You will be paid for completing the form.

Step 4 The completed form must be faxed to AfA on the confidential toll free fax number 0800 600 773.

Step 5 AfA will contact the member to discuss the outcome of the application.