HIV IN MEDICAL STAFF: LEGISLATION, RIGHTS, AND OCCUPATIONAL REALITIES

Abstract

As of 2026, the intersection of HIV and the medical profession has undergone a paradigm shift. This article utilizes the IMRAD structure to analyze how the "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) consensus has dismantled traditional barriers for healthcare workers (HCWs) living with HIV. By reviewing international labor laws, privacy statutes, and occupational health data, we examine the legal evolution from mandatory disclosure to rights-based inclusion. The study concludes that while legislative frameworks are robust in protecting HCWs from discrimination, the "internalized stigma" within medical hierarchies remains the primary obstacle to full professional equity.