Getting more help and information
Many countries now have a national AIDS committee or organization (usually organized by the Ministry of Health),
a UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS that coordinates UN action, technical assistance projects and many non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
working to reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS. These organizations and networks may, at the least,
be able to provide information and advisory materials.
They may also have trainers and facilitators who could help you, and even be able to help with access to condoms,
voluntary counselling and testing, and treatment. Other relevant organizations could include women's and youth associations.
In a number of countries there is also a Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria - this oversees the process of applying to the Fund and distributing funds if a proposal is successful. The Fund encourages the social partners to make contact with and become part of their local CCM, and the ILO helps guide this process through their local offices.
If you have any difficulty finding local offices or representatives, please contact headquarters (ILO, UNAIDS or WHO).
Learning from the experience of others
We know, after twenty years of the HIV epidemic, what responses are effective and what aren't.
| Whether at national or workplace level factors of success include:
| | • | commitment from the leadership,
| | • | involvement of people at all levels,
| | • | openness and trust,
| | • | messages that are culturally relevant and gender sensitive,
| | • | monitoring and evaluation to make sure programmes are working.
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To these we must add the availability of practical essentials like condoms and ARV drugs.
| And we know what doesn't work:
| | • | blame,
| | • | discrimination,
| | • | compulsory testing,
| | • | the isolation of infected persons
| | • | and the marginalization of affected populations.
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The belief that HIV is only a disease of other countries, other cultures, other people has slowed action and prevented both individuals and governments from taking responsibility to act.
Good practice and lessons learnt
The ILO is collecting examples of good practice to analyse and share, and also works with UNAIDS to include titles in the Best Practices Collection that are relevant to the world of work (see below).
We include here a short list of factors common to successful HIV/AIDS workplace policies and programmes:
1. Consultation, participation and partnership
Initiatives are most effective when they involve governments, employers and workers, and their respective organizations, and ensure 'ownership'.
2. Leadership
Leadership from the three constituents at all levels helps inspire trust, mobilize support, and ensure implementation.
3. An enabling environment of laws and rights
Successful workplace programmes depend on the presence of supportive legal and policy arrangements that recognize HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue, integrate workplace activities in national AIDS programmes, and ensure the protection of rights.
4. Conditions of trust and non-discrimination
Stigma and discrimination are major obstacles to the take-up of essential services such as voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and treatment, as well as behaviour change messages.
5. Building on structures already in place
There is enormous value in including HIV/AIDS in existing systems and structures including, for example, safety and health committees, occupational health services, industrial tribunals, and workplace training programmes.
6. A continuum of prevention, care and support, and access to treatment
Prevention programmes and VCT take-up are greatly enhanced where there is adequate access to care, support and treatment.
7. Going beyond the workplace
Activities need to reach beyond the workplace and extend services to families and communities, in partnership with government and donors if necessary.
8. Communication
Messages that are clear, understandable, and targeted are central to the success of information and education campaigns.
9. Gender-specific programmes
Incorporating a gender dimension in all workplace activities is essential, addressing women's social and economic position as well as the factors that shape the behaviour of both men and women.
10. Equity considerations: ensuring access for those in need
Targeting programmes to vulnerable groups helps tackle inequality, as does outreach to the local community and informal economy. Access to treatment is one of the core issues in terms of equity.
Further information
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