Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS to be tabled in Parliament

The National Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS is to be tabled in Parliament shortly as a White Paper, following Cabinet's approval.

This was disclosed by Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, during today's a Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The National Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS is a framework for action by the government, employers and workers to deal effectively with HIV/AIDS in places of employment.

It is based on the International Labour Organization's (ILO) principles on HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

The Information Minister said the policy takes into consideration the effects of HIV/AIDS on the most productive segments of the workforce and it accepts that effective prevention and management of the epidemic in the workplace, will benefit all national stakeholders.

It will facilitate the development of a working environment in which the rights of workers infected and or affected by the epidemic are protected.

Among its many objectives are: strengthening the legal framework for HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue; reducing HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination; and strengthening of the capacity of the organisations to provide care and support for persons living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

"The policy will also assist in the development of a caring, supportive and responsible working environment that will protect all of our workers and we hope that it will lead to the reduction of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination and also reduce HIV/AIDS transmission," Miss Falconer stated.