Contributing to the fight against HIV/AIDS within the informal economy: The existing and potential role of decentralized systems of social protection.

This paper describes efforts being developed by the ILO to strengthen the capacity of groups of workers and their families, particularly those in the informal economy, to organize action for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and for the care of those affected by HIV/AIDS. In line with one of the major recommendations emanating from UNGASS, the approach is grounded in communities’ activities and mobilization, to enable them to rise to the challenge of HIV/AIDS. The approach builds on the extensive experience gained by ILO/STEP and its development partners in exploring the potential of decentralized systems such as micro-insurance to extend coverage of social protection in health.