Jamaica's HIV/AIDS workplace policy would facilitate a productive environment for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the workplace, a top-ranking civil service spokesman has said.

Robert Chung, first vice-president of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA), told The Gleaner Tuesday that the policy, which has been implemented by a number of government ministries, is critical to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness and breaking down discrimination barriers.

Hiding their situation

Chung said: "People who are living and working with HIV/AIDS have found themselves in a situation where they find themselves hiding their situation.

This policy seeks to put in place a set of conventions which speak to how people can live and work with HIV without coming under that duress," he added.

The policy, which varies among ministries, involves workshops, peer educators and a steering committee, which aims to reduce the stigma attached to persons living with the disease and safeguard workforce productivity.

Monica Dystant, workplace programme officer of the ministries of Housing and Water, and Transport and Works, urged more employers to implement the HIV/AIDS policy in their organisations.

Sensitisation drives

Dystant said the policy, which was first launched by the water and housing ministry last month, was gaining traction in sensitisation drives.

"Some employees visit the workshops with a level of discrimination and stigma," Dystant conceded.

But, she emphasised, "By the end of the workshop, they usually leave with a heightened level of awareness."

Dystant said behaviour modification was a gradual process and assured that the sensitisation workshops, bulk text messages sent to employees on World Health Day, as well as the employee handbook, would maintain a sufficient level of awareness among staff.

A number of private-sector companies have implemented the policy, which also has the backing of the Jamaica Employers' Federation.

Leadership Breakfast

Prime Minister Bruce Golding endorsed the policy at the World AIDS Day Leadership Breakfast last week. "I will ensure this policy is implemented with courage and zeal," the prime minister said.

The ministries of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Finance and the Public Service, Labour and Social Security, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Cabinet have launched similar campaigns, which adhere to 10 principles identified in the International Labour Organisation's Code of Practices on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work.

tendai.franklyn-brown@gleanerjm.com.

HIV/AIDS workplace principles

Below are the 10 principles identified in the International Labour Organisation Code of Practices on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work.

1. HIV/AIDS is a workplace issue

2. Non-discrimination

3. Gender equality

4. Healthy work environment

5. Social dialogue

6. No HIV screening for recruitment or exclusion from work or education

7. Confidentiality

8. Constitution of employment relationship

9. Prevention

10. Care and support