getting to zero through workplaces in ethiopia...zero aids-related deaths. implement the ilo...
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www.ilo.org/aids
Issues
Description
Lessons Learnt
Next Steps
In 2011-12, the ILO-OFID partnership programme in Ethiopia conducted an assessment to identify HIV risks and vulnerabilities of young workers in 25 companies
operating in key economic sectors: agro-industry, construction and manufacturing. The study identified the nature and extent of workplace HIV prevention and AIDS care
services available in these companies. Subsequently, the results of the study informed the design of targeted HIV responses through the workplace in the participating
companies.
The key findings and lessons learned from this assessment are as follows:
• HIV-related stigma and discrimination was common and undermined an individual’s chances of being recruited for a job or for career advancement, if he or she was already employed.
• The lack of workplace sick leave policies in the companies surveyed resulted in workers being absent from work for undisclosed reasons.
• Despite the existence of workplace codes of practice prohibiting sexual harassment and abuse, promoting access to VCT and treatment and calling for psychosocial support to be provided for employees, such codes were rarely enforced.
• Of the 25 companies surveyed, 18 do not provide health benefits to the families of employees, while seven provide some form of services to the families and dependents. Such services ranged from providing services to family members at the company clinic to reimbursing medical expenses incurred elsewhere.
• Some companies have a solidarity fund, financed from a monthly contribution from workers, unions, management, and social groups to support HIV- and AIDS-related needs of workers. This solidarity scheme covers some, but not all, of the costs associated with anti-retroviral therapy.
• The HIV knowledge among surveyed workers was extremely limited and did not induce adequate behavioural change to reduce HIV risks.
Based on the assessment findings, the ILO-OFID programme initiated the following activities:
• A regular dialogue was initiated engaging employers, workers and Labour Ministry representatives in the development of sector-specific HIV action plans.
• Workplace HIV focal points were appointed and trained, and peer-education materials were provided to them. Collaboration was strengthened or established with surrounding communities, NGOs and PLHIV associations to facilitate provision of HIV- related support services for workers and their families.
Sisay Gebre-Egziabher, ILO, Ethiopia, [email protected] Lee-Nah Hsu, ILO, Geneva, hsul@ ilo.org
Margherita Licata, ILO, Geneva, [email protected]
Protect Human Rights at Work Prevent HIV
Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths. Implement the ILO Recommendation on HIV and AIDS (No. 200)
Getting to Zero Through Workplaces in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the countries most affected by HIV and AIDS, with HIV prevalence among the adult population at 2.3%. More than 60% of people living with HIV (PLHIV)
in Ethiopia live in urban areas. The municipalities of Amhara, Tigray, Oromia, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region (SNNPR) and Addis Ababa account for
93% of all PLHIV. The highest rates of prevalence are found among young women aged 15-24 and young men aged 25-29.