HIV / AIDS

HIV now considered a serious social, health, economic & development problem in Africa where 26 million people are living with HIV in sub-Sahara Africa. This is 63% of people living with HIV globally. And 72% of people who need ARVs in Africa are not getting them. Programs aimed at the prevention of Mother to child Transmission Treatment (PMTCT) now stands at 11% in Africa. By 2010 about 11 million people will need ARVs UNAIDS estimates.

In line with the 2003 UNI-Africa Congress resolution on HIV, the region has launched three HIV/AIDS projects:

• UNI-SATU HIV project: 2003-2006
• LOTCO HIV project: 2006 - 2007
• BBTK-Setca HIV project: 2007 -2011
• Zambia: Support home for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) launched with the support of CWU-Ireland.

Achievements

• HIV/AIDS coordinators trained across Africa
• Shop stewards have been trained on HIV/AIDS policy formulation
• Training materials developed
• Some affiliates are now involved in HIV prevention, awareness & community outreach programmes
• HIV/AIDS workplace policies launched in countries like Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa & Zambia.

Challenges

• Stigma, discrimination & victimisation still prevalent
• Fewer workplace policies in companies
• These policies are not negotiated, but an initiative of management
• Fewer or no VCT services at workplaces
• No provision of ARVs at workplaces
• Governments collaborating more with NGOs than unions on national HIV/AIDS policies.

Recommendations

Trade Unions should:

• negotiate HIV policies in collective bargaining agreements (CBAs)
• develop HIV policies for union staff
• prioritise treatment, care & support
• advocate for access to affordable AIDS drugs
• involved in national HIV policy development & implementation.