Jamaica finalizing National Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS

Jamaica is in the process of finalizing a National Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS. The policy will be tabled in parliament in the coming weeks.

The country’s Information Minister Ms. Sandrea Falconer, revealed that the policy is a framework for action by the government, employers and workers to deal effectively with HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

This new policy is based on the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) principles on HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

The policy will take into consideration the effects of HIV/AIDS on the most productive segments of the labor force and it accepts that effective prevention and management of the epidemic in the workplace will benefit all 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. -(CMC)