News Archive
Universal Action Now: International AIDS Conference, 3-8 August 2008
This Conference takes place every two years, bringing together the scientific community, activists, international organizations, donors, pharmaceutical companies and others with a stake and interest in HIV/AIDS.
The Conference will take place in Mexico City this year. The theme - Universal Action Now - emphasizes the need for continued urgency in the worldwide response to HIV/AIDS, and for action in all sectors and at all levels. The theme is a rallying call, reminding us of our individual and collective responsibility to reach the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, and eliminating HIV stigma and discrimination.
We wish to encourage and support representatives of our constituents and others with a stake in the world of work to participate in the Conference and to submit abstracts or proposals for skills building-sessions and/or to apply for a scholarship.
> Read more
Workers mobilized against the HIV pandemic in Africa
On the World Social Forum's Global Day of Mobilisation, 26 January 2008, Mr. Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation - African Regional Organisation (ITUC-Africa) stressed the need to use union structures and collective agreements to protect the rights of people living with HIV at the workplace. Mr. Adu-Amankwah called on trade unions in Africa to play an active part in the implementation of national HIV/AIDS policies and workplace programmes. He also called for more resources to be dedicated to sensitization, care, support, and capacity building.
> Read the statement in English and in Français
Trade unions' joint policy on HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka
On 29 January 2008, 22 trade union representatives in Sri Lanka signed the Trade Union Joint Policy on HIV/AIDS at the Ministry of Labour. This policy aims to strengthen trade union interventions in HIV prevention and impact management. It was developed in the framework of the draft National Policy on HIV/AIDS and is based on the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work. > Read the policy
ILO partner nominated for Red Ribbon Award
Responding to the Red Ribbon Award call for nominations to honour community leadership and action on AIDS, the ILO's HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme nominated one of its partners in Russia, the Murmansk Regional Public Organization Supporting Persons Living with HIV/AIDS. This biennial award, which will be presented at next summer's International AIDS Conference in Mexico, will honour 25 community-based organisations for their contributions in responding to AIDS. > Read more about the red ribbon award
New guidelines for the construction sector
HIV/AIDS has a triple impact on the construction sector through its effects on workers, enterprises and the economy as a whole. These guidelines for the construction sector aim to help employers, workers and the relevant authorities protect the health of the workforce and manage the impact of AIDS.
We will update the guidelines once we have received feedback from those who have applied them. If you make use of the guidelines in any way - from policy development to training - your feedback is invited and welcome.
Employers strengthen their response to HIV at the workplace in Africa
A workshop held on 10 December in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together employers from 12 countries to address HIV at the workplace and review strategies to mitigate its impact. Called 'Reinforcing Employers' Interventions on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace in Eastern and Southern Africa,' the workshop was sponsored by the International Labour Organization. Ms Jacqueline Mugo, Executive Director of the Federation of Kenyan Employers, presented a new evaluation methodology developed by employers to get accurate data on the impact of HIV, taking into account both labour costs and loss of productivity. > Read more
Protecting the health of workers in Russia
A panel of experts on HIV prevention in the Russian Federation recently discussed the innovative workplace education programmes of the ILO and partner enterprises in the Murmansk Region. The United Nations Office reports on this discussion in an article published for World AIDS Day. > Read the article
Peru protects workers living with HIV
To address stigma and discrimination, the government of Peru has decided to sanction any enterprise which fires a worker on the basis of his or her HIV status. The Director of the Labour Inspectorate at the Ministry of Labour provides details about the claim process.> Read more
World AIDS Day 2007 in the World of Work
On World AIDS Day we celebrate the leaders and communities worldwide who are setting example, taking initiative and helping the world to keep its promise to act on AIDS. A wide variety of events are planned at the ILO to mark it.
The ILO, IRU (International Road Transport Union) and ITF (International Transport Workers'Federation) launch a new multimedia 'toolkit' for battling the spread of the disease among lorry drivers worldwide, one of the sectors most
affected by the virus. >Read more
The ILO also present an exhibition presenting 45 persons (employers, workers, and governments representatives) who take the lead in the global response to HIV and AIDS in the world of work.
As in previous years in Geneva, the ILO is also joining the efforts of the international community and Geneva-based associations to commemorate World AIDS Day. >For more details: please see the flyers
OAS Ministers of Labor pledge workplace programmes on AIDS
Ministers of Labor adopted the Declaration of Port of Spain 2007 at the XV Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML) of the Organization of American States in Trinidad and Tobago, 11-13 September 2007. In this Declaration, Ministers commit to put in place workplace policies to prohibit AIDS stigma and discrimination and reduce the incidence of HIV. They also adopted a Plan of Action for the implementation of the Declaration. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Labour and Small and Micro enterprise Development in Trinidad and Tobago, and attended by the ILO Director-General, the ILO Regional Director for the Americas and the Director of the ILO Subregional Office for the Americas.
Launch of business coalition in Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan Business Coalition (SLBC) was launched during the recent International Conference on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (see below) with the support of Standard Chartered Bank, a number of national companies, the employers' federation and trade unions, and the ILO. The SLBC aims to coordinate the AIDS activities of companies operating in Sri Lanka, to highlight good practices, and send a strong message to other employers and workers to take action. It uses the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work as the reference for workplace policies.
Asia ministers, employers and workers meet on HIV and AIDS
More than 3000 delegates met in Sri Lanka in August for the 8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP 2007) to discuss critical issues related to HIV in the region. One of these related to the situation, rights and needs of the many migrant workers in and from the region.
During the Congress, the ILO hosted a high level symposium to review the legal response to HIV/AIDS in the region and discuss the content, application and impact of developing a legal instrument on HIV and AIDS at the workplace. The panellists included the Ministers of Labour of India and Sri Lanka, and representatives from the Employers' Federation of Pakistan, the International Transport Workers' Federation, the International Trade Union Confederation and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
CARICOM Heads of Social Security discuss HIV and AIDS at the workplace
At the ir 18th Meeting, held in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in June, the Heads of CARICOM Social Security organizations agreed on the need to be more involved in the issues of HIV and AIDS at the workplace. The ILO repersentative pointed out the valuable contribution these agencies can make to the national response in terms of support for people living with HIV. In adition, the unique collection of data they generate could be used for monitoring of the epidemic in the region.
Barents Sea Newsletter focuses on HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme
The second issue of the Barents Sea Newsletter (2007) includes an article about its HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme, launched in 2004 in Russia, explaining its development and implementation in the Russian context. >Read more
India Central Trade Unions unite to fight against HIV
On 30 August 2007, the Central Trade Unions in India launched a joint statement of commitment on HIV/AIDS in which they commit to join their forces to enhance interventions on prevention and management of HIV at the workplace. The Unions emphasize the particular vulnerability of migrant workers and workers in the informal economy, and the need to give them access to information and education on HIV and to strengthen the protection of their rights. They also underlined the need to build up welfare schemes and income-generating activities across the board. This complements a similar statement made by the seven national employers' federations in 2005. Both statements commit to joint employer-worker collaboration as well.
20th Meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board
The 20th meeting of the PCB was held in Geneva on 25-27 June 2007, chaired by Thailand. The PCB discussed the unified budget and workplan (UBW) for 2008-9, national targets for universal access to prevention, care, support and treatment, policy guidance on gender issues, relations with the Global Fund (its new Director was present), UN reform, and UNAIDS governance including the participation of civil society and changes to the PCB itself. >Read more > Read the summary of decisions .
Companies take action in Barbados
In May 2007, Purity Bakeries Ltd and Arawak Cement Ltd, two members of the Barbados Employers' Confederation, launched their workplace education policies and behaviour change communication strategy. The objective of the programme is to use BCC approaches to increase awareness of HIV and mitigate its impact at the workplace.
A handbook on HIV/AIDS for small business associations and service providers
To meet the particular needs and constraints of small and micro enterprises in the face of HIV/AIDS, the ILO Programme on Boosting Employment through Small Enterprise Development (SEED) and ILO/AIDS collaborated to produce this new handbook. It provides practical guidance for those who regulate, advise and support SMEs, and draws on lessons learnt including a collection of case studies. It aims to help the relevant individuals and institutions integrate HIV/AIDS concerns in their existing activities and programmes.
Lecture by Justice Edwin Cameron on HIV/AIDS in the world of work
Justice Edwin Cameron, Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa, gave a public lecture at the ILO on 19 June 2007, organized by the International Institute for labour Studies and ILO/AIDS. The subject was 'Legislating an epidemic: the challenge of HIV/AIDS in the world of work'. Justice Cameron gave particular emphasis to the impact of discrimination and stigmatization, the complex issues related to testing in the framework of a prevention and treatment strategy, and the urgent need to increase access to ARVs. > Read the text
Guyana trade unions mobilize
The International Transport Federation organized a workshop on 5 June in Guyana for affiliated union leaders from nine countries in the Caribbean. At the opening, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, Minister of Health, commented on the significant role of trade unions in the fight against HIV, especially in terms of eliminating stigma and discrimination, providing information and training, and encouraging behaviour change.
SAARC Labour Ministers pledge on HIV and AIDS
Labour Ministers from the member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) held a meeting in Geneva on HIV/AIDS in the world of work on 12 June, during the International Labour Conference. The proposal made by Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Labour Minister of India, to establish a SAARC Forum on HIV and AIDS and the World of Work was unanimously and enthusiastically supported. Dr. Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS, Mr. Assane Diop, Executive Director of the ILO Social Protection Sector, and Dr. Sophia Kisting, Director of the ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World of work (ILO/AIDS) pledged the support of UNAIDS and ILO for the initiative. Mr. Fernandes highlighted the need for a 'well-coordinated and systematic approach' across the region and offered to host a meeting in New Delhi in six months' time to launch the Forum.
Namibian trade unions take action on AIDS
On May 1st, the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) launched its HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme in collaboration with the Namibia Development Foundation (NAMDEF). This programme will encourage and support integrated HIV/AIDS interventions including behaviour change, measures for care, support and treatment and elimination of stigma and discrimination.> Read more
United Nations Secretary-General supports the response to HIV and AIDS
On 21 May, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon delivered a statement at the 61st session of the General Assembly on progress towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. He confirmed his support to the AIDS response promising to ensure that the international community - Governments, the private sector and civil society - remains united against the epidemic. He also mentioned his determination to speak up about the spread of AIDS in Asia. > Read more
Business opportunities for people living with HIV in Indonesia
To prevent social exclusion of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) by improving their employability and self-employment, the ILO in collaboration with the UNDP has developed a Pilot Project on Improving Access to Entrepreneurship and Business Start-Up Training for PLWHA. The project aims to train NGOs and various public and private training providers in entrepreneurship and business start-up training capacitating these to deliver training and counseling services to PLWHA. > Read more about ILO activities on HIV/AIDS in Indonesia
Honduras leaders take action on HIV/AIDS at the workplace
The First Lady of Honduras, Mrs. Castro de Zelaya, leader of the national response to HIV/AIDS, invited the Ministry of Labour and employers' and workers' representatives to a tripartite workshop on HIV/AIDS at the workplace. The participants clarified their roles and shared examples of action. They agreed on the need to set up structures to promote and coordinate action within and between the various institutions involved.
The ILO Subregional Office for Central America will provide technical support for the follow-up. > Read more in Spanish
UN+ new website
The UN+ group was established in March 2005 for HIV-positive staff in the United Nations from all regions and agencies. Among the items of interest in this first edition of the website are an interview with Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director, an account of living and working with HIV by a UN+ member in Sub-Saharan Africa, and profiles of UN+ advisory group members. For more information, log on to www.unplus.org.
ILO constituents renew commitment to act on AIDS
In 2001 governments, employers and workers agreed the ground-breaking Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work. Translated into over 40 languages, a reference point for laws and policies in over 70 countries, the Code of Practice will now be complemented by a Recommendation on HIV/AIDS and the world of work.
To take forward the workplace response to AIDS, the March 2007 session of the ILO Governing Body decided to place HIV/AIDS on the agenda of the International Labour Conference in 2009. Many members took part in the discussions, some pointing to the huge advances in workplace action on AIDS, especially as the result of employer-worker collaboration, and others also recognising growing infection rates and persisting discrimination. The Conference item will focus on the development of an autonomous Recommendation.
This means that the ILO has now begun work towards the adoption of a Recommendation, primarily on the basis of consultations with constituents but also with fellow agencies of the UN system. A first discussion will be held during the International Labour Conference in June 2009, and the new standard is expected to be adopted as the outcome of a second discussion in June 2010.
Recommendations provide guidance for States and for employers' and workers' organizations, among others, and form a basis for ILO promotional and assistance measures. The Governing Body may require reports from member States periodically on the measures they are taking to implement Recommendations.
Day for occupational safety and health at work: charity run and walk
Following the successful fund-raising campaign of last year, the ILO Sports and Leisure Association, with the support of the Staff Union, organized a sponsored run and walk on Friday 27 April. The event was to mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work, 28 April. The theme was Safe and Healthy Workplaces - Making Decent Work a Reality. The goal was to promote health and safety, express solidarity with workers around the world, raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and support fund-raising efforts.
The funds raised this year will support a project that ensures continuation of education for AIDS orphans. The funds will be handed over by the Staff Union to the Association of the Friends of the International School of Geneva, which manages this project.
New website launched on Education and HIV/AIDS
Education International (EI) launches the new EFAIDS Programme website.
The EFAIDS Programme is an initiative of EI and its partners the WHO (World Health Organisation) and EDC (Education Development Center). The Programme aims to ensure that children get free access to quality public education, and to provide teachers the knowledge and skills they need to protect themselves, their colleagues and students from HIV infection and AIDS.
The website includes materials produced by teachers' unions participating in the Programme. As of May, it will also provide information on national programmes in the 'Country Activities' section.
Working with AIDS - Health and safety expert makes the connection
In an interview to The Trinidad Guardian, Dr. Benjamin Alli, ILO/AIDS, stressed the link between HIV/AIDS and occupational safety and health, stressing the importance of taking measures against stigma and discrimination at the workplace. He also put emphasized the key role of legislation and education in making safety and health at the workplace a reality.> Read the article
New publication on HIV/AIDS and transport workers
The International Transport Federation has just published the first edition of Agenda, an annual publication on HIV/AIDS and transport workers. This new publication aims to help affiliates and other stakeholders to develop a trade union perspective of the epidemic within the context of a holistic response to HIV in the transport sector. > Read more
ILO welcomes EU decision to step up action on HIV/AIDS
Ministers of Health from the European Union and 16 non-EU countries adopted the "Bremen Declaration on Responsibility and Partnership - Together Against HIV/AIDS" at a Conference organized by the German government in Bremen, Germany on 11-12 March to examine the impact of AIDS in Europe and strategic responses.
Critical issues for Europe, especially in the world of work, are discrimination and the protection of rights, confidentiality and the reintegration in the labour market of HIV-positive workers on anti-retroviral treatment.
The Conference Declaration recognizes the role of the workplace and the contribution of the ILO Code of Practice to AIDS responses in Europe, and invites governments, employers and workers to ensure non-discriminatory policies for people living with HIV and care and support for those affected. Read the ILO press release or access the Conference website
China brings the private sector into the reponse to HIV
The LA Times recently published an article describing HIV trends in China and the growing workplace response to the disease. It describes interventions by l'Oreal, the Global Business Coalition, and the ILO's International HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme.
> Read the article
GFATM Round 7
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) calls for proposals for the next round of grants, launched on 1 March 2007 - the closing date is 4 July 2007. All relevant forms and documentation are available on the Global Fund website in six languages. The ILO encourages its constituents and other partners to strengthen proposals by including a world of work component through their Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM).
The Board will make its funding decision at the Sixteenth Board Meeting in November 2007.
Education International website on HIV/AIDS
Since 1994, Education International (EI) has recognized the urgency for a broad, strong health response to HIV/AIDS through schools, and worked in collaboration with its affiliates and international organizations to prevent the further spread of the disease. For information on EI's activities on HIV/AIDS, including its regular bulletin, please visit the EFAIDS website.
Two other global union federations with regular newsletters on HIV/AIDS are International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM)
Launch of the new project in China
The Government of China, the US Department of Labor, and the ILO launched a joint HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme on Friday 26 January 2007. This programme aims to strengthen HIV prevention and reduce discrimination against people living with HIV. It will target selected industrial sectors and provinces, and reach millions of workers, many of them migrant workers.
120 representatives of ILO constituents, UN agencies, donors, international and local NGOs and the media participated in the event. The Vice Minister of Labour and Social Security and the US Counselor for Health and Environment opened the event together with the Deputy Director of the State Council Working Committee on HIV/AIDS and the Director of the ILO Office in Beijing.
Jamaican Senate tackles discrimination on AIDS at the workplace
On 26 January, the Senate of Jamaica approved a motion that calls on the government to change the labour laws to protect workers living with HIV. The motion recognized that screening as a prerequisite for employment is widespread, but that it constitutes a violation of the fundamental principles and rights of workers, and of the conventions of the ILO which Jamaica has ratified.> Read more
Know more about HIV/AIDS: a toolkit for workers in the informal economy
This new training tool was prepared by the ILO Subregional office for East Asia in Bangkok to help employers and workers in the informal economy to cope with HIV/AIDS. It gives practical guidance to associations of informal economy workers and other organizations that work with them. It covers awareness-raising and training, rights and discrimination, and provides information on AIDS-related services.
Employers' and workers' joint action in Africa
The African Regional Organisation of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU-AFRO) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) jointly organized a capacity-building meeting on HIV/AIDS for employers and workers in Kampala, Uganda on 12-14 December 2006. This was hosted by the National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU) and the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Training Centre, Turin.
The objective of the meeting was to evaluate programmes and activities implemented within the IOE-ICFTU joint agreement on HIV/AIDS (2003) and building on the joint action plans agreed in Geneva in 2004; to identify persiting challenges; and to build capacity in project/programme management. The meeting also discussed ways of strengthening partnerships with key agencies at national level and of mobilizing resources - particularly through the Global Fund - in order to scale up joint employer and union action on HIV/AIDS through the workplace.
The meeting adopted a number of recommendations to ensure follow-up by employers’ and workers’ organizations and to strengthen partnerships, especially with the ILO. > Read the recommendations
World AIDS Day 2006 in the World of Work
World AIDS Day, 1 December was an opportunity for people to unite worldwide to take action on HIV/AIDS: a wide variety of events were planned in the world of work to mark it. > more
New global estimates of the impact of HIV on the world of work
HIV/AIDS and work: global estimates, impact on children and youth, and response 2006 is a new report presenting updated estimates of the impact of the HIV epidemic on the world of work, the labour force and the working-age population in 60 countries in all regions. It also gives particular attention to the effects of the epidemic on employment growth, the persistence of child labour, the sexual exploitation of children and youth, and the need for youth to have access to decent work. In complement, the report examines a range of rights-based responses. For the first time, projections of mortality losses and the effects of illness on the labour force and the working-age population take account of increased future access to antiretroviral treatment, and show the benefits for the world of work.
More languages!
- The Guidelines for the transport sector respond to the different situations, needs and interests of workers and employers in this particular sector. These guidelines are available in English, Français and Español.
- The workplace: gateway to universal access gives a succinct overview of the role of the ILO in reducing discrimination and increasing access to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. This brochure is available in English, Français and Español.
Global reach: how trade unions are responding to AIDS
Trade unions play a crucial role in the global response to AIDS, says Peter Piot A new title in the UNAIDS Best Practice Collection brings to the public attention the “crucial role” and “innovative programmes” of the labour movement in responding to HIV/AIDS, as acknowledged by the UNAIDS Executive Director in his foreword to the publication. Global reach: how trade unions are responding to AIDS. Case studies of union action is a joint publication by the ILO, ICFTU, Global UNION AIDS Programme, and UNAIDS. The case studies show union action in all regions and in all spheres of activity, from collective bargaining to couples’ training, from providing treatment to campaigns against stigma and discrimination. See the report in English (French, Spanish, Russian to follow).
New laws on HIV/AIDS
See also our collection of national instruments related to HIV/AIDS.
World Bank's Global Development Marketplace calls for proposals
The Global Development Marketplace (DM) is a World Bank programme that identifies and funds small-scale, creative development projects that have the potential to be expanded or replicated. It seeks to recognize initiatives that use innovative mechanisms to reach vulnerable groups, public-private partnerships to improve delivery of health goods and services, and innovative inter-sectoral linkages for disease/injury prevention. DM2007 is offering awards for proposals with innovative ideas to improve health, nutrition, population outcomes of poor people in developing countries. It is open to all. The proposal deadline is 17 November 2006. The finalists will be announced on 9 February 2007. Visit the DM website for competition guidelines and instructions.
The Guardian's Public Service awards recognise HIV/AIDS workplace programme
Ensuring Positive Futures (EPF) is an employability programme for people living with HIV in the UK. It's run by a partnership of organisations including the UK Coalition of people living with AIDS, businesses, government and trade unions. The programme aims to help employers understand the needs of workers affected by HIV, and to support people living with HIV in the workplace.
Ensuring Positive Futures has reached the shortlist for the Guardian Public Service awards, in the 'long-term conditions - service delivery' category. Read more.
Employers' organizations and HIV/AIDS: Information, tools and good practice for workplace action against HIV/AIDS
This CD-ROM has been jointly produced by the Bureau for Employers' Activities and ILO/AIDS. It helps employers' organizations and enterprises to manage the impact of HIV/AIDS, protect their workers and their businesses, and strengthen the response to the epidemic. It provides wide-ranging and practical approaches to policy development and programming, covering issues such as training, care and treatment, testing and confidentiality, and prevention (including occupational risk).
The text is in 3 language versions - Spanish, French and English - on one CD-ROM. To obtain a copy, please contact us.
HIV/AIDS workplace policy for the education sector in Southern Africa
The policy is the result of collaboration between the ILO (Sectoral Activities Dept. and ILO/AIDS) and UNESCO. Based on the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work, it was reviewed and modified by representatives of Ministries of Education and Labour, teacher trade unions, private employers and National AIDS Councils/Commissions from seven countries at a tripartite workshop held in Maputo, Mozambique, 30 November - 2 December 2005. The policy is designed to contribute to the realization of the Education for All goals adopted in Dakar, Senegal, in 2000, as well as protecting the health and rights of teachers, their students and families.
It follows the education sector policy for the Caribbean published earlier this year.
Universal access to AIDS prevention and care depends on workplace action: the ILO at the XVI International AIDS Conference, 13-18 August 2006, Toronto
Over 40 sessions at the latest International AIDS Conference looked directly or indirectly at how AIDS affects the world of work and how workplace action can extend access to prevention, care and treatment. These included poster presentations on employers taking a stand against discrimination and on trade union AIDS policies; skills-building workshops on workplace programming; sessions on specific challenges for the transport, mining, education, and health sectors, and for women and migrant workers; and panels that shared examples of good practice and lessons learned. The ILO took a delegation of 30, half of them constituents representing every major region.> more
The G8 renews its commitment to tackle HIV/AIDS
On 15-17 July 2006, in St. Petersburg, the G8 Summit agreed to take tangible steps for the surveillance of infectious diseases, through timely reporting and sharing of data. In addition, it vowed to help developing countries improve the capacity of national surveillance and monitoring systems by providing technical assistance and training of experts and improving cooperation.
Trade unions around the world have lobbied since the summit last year for a reporting framework to ensure accountability for the promises made on HIV/AIDS. The next G8 Summit is in Germany, 6-7 June 2007.
ILO gives up chair of UNAIDS CCO - World Food Programme takes over
The ILO passed on the rotating chair of the CCO to the World Food Programme at the end of June 2006. Highlights of the year include: the development of an implementation plan for the recommendations of the Global Task Team on HIV/AIDS, which is designed to strengthen AIDS structures and programmes at country level. A resolution was passed at the CCO meeting of October 2005 designed to strengthen UN system collaboration and coordination around HIV/AIDS, including the full mainstreaming of the issue in agency activities. At the same time the ILO had the opportunity to raise the profile of the workplace as a key entry point for universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support.> more
More languages!
Guidelines:
Reports now available in French:
- Report of the meeting held in Geneva in March 2004 to launch the IOE-ICFTU Joint Action Plans in Africa
- The report on strategic HIV/AIDS responses by enterprises, Saving lives - protecting jobs
The Declaration of Commitment on AIDS: five years on
UN meeting asks what has been achieved since the Special Session of June 2001 - and what remains to be done
An ILO delegation took part in a review of the global HIV/AIDS situation and the planning of the next stage of the response. For the first time a person living with HIV addressed the UN General Assembly as it debated a new political declaration and agreed recommendations for achieving targets. The ILO took part in a round table which reviewed achievements and gaps with a particular focus on prevention, finance and partnerships; and co-organized with UNDP a panel on stigma and discrimination. > more
The UNAIDS Global Report 2006 was launched just before the meeting - this included figures on the commitments met, as well as an overview of the state of the epidemic. This concludes that AIDS seems to be slowing globally, but new infections continue to increase in certain regions and countries.
HIV/AIDS workplace policy for the education sector in the Caribbean
This policy for the education sector in the Caribbean is the result of collaboration between the ILO (Sectoral Activities and ILO/AIDS) and UNESCO. Based on the ILO Code of practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work, it was reviewed and modified by representatives of Ministries of Education and Labour, teachers' trade unions, private employers and National AIDS Councils/Commissions from five Caribbean countries during a tripartite workshop held in Kingston, Jamaica, 28-30 September 2005.
ILO/UNAIDS meeting on AIDS and the world of work in Latin America and the Caribbean - 6 May
The ILO and UNAIDS organized a special event on the theme 'AIDS and the world of work in Latin America and the Caribbean' in Brasilia on 6 May 2006. The Director-General invited ILO constituents to attend following the Regional Meeting in order to stimulate dialogue between governments, employers' and workers' organizations, UN agencies and civil society - especially associations of people living with HIV and AIDS.
The ILO called for greater urgency in tackling issues of AIDS in the workplace in Latin America and the Caribbean, and strengthened efforts to combat discrimination and enhance prevention. Mr. Somavia noted that the protection of rights is not only one of the fundamental principles of the ILO's Decent Work Agenda but is also crucial to safeguarding the employment of people affected by HIV/AIDS and ensuring that they have access to adequate and appropriate medical treatment. See summary and proposed follow-up actions for more information.
Universal access to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria services by a United Africa by 2010
Nigeria, 2-4 May 2006
The Special Summit of the African Union on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, hosted by the Nigerian government, was held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 2 to 4 May 2006. The Summit reviewed the progress made in implementing the Abuja Declaration and Plan of Action on HIV/AIDS, TB and other infectious diseases (2001). The final Call for Action includes a number of areas of ILO interest, in particular the issue of stigma and discrimination and the role of Decent Work Country Programmes as part of poverty alleviation.
In a major side event the Regional Director for Africa, Ms Regina Amadi-Njoku, launched a new initiative to ensure the workplace becomes a key entry point for increasing access to prevention, care and treatment for HIV and AIDS. Dr. Hassan Lawal, Nigeria's Minister of Labour and Productivity, brought to the attention of the participants the draft of the revised Bill on stigma and discrimination. This text provides the necessary enabling environment for universal access to prevention, care and treatment. Dr. Benjamin O. Alli, ILO/AIDS, explained the ILO's strategy to help its constituents buy into the national HIV/AIDS response and to support workplace action.
Report on strategic HIV/AIDS responses by enterprises
Saving lives, protecting jobs is a new ILO/AIDS report featuring human stories and workplace achievements in combatting HIV/AIDS. It showcases experiences from more than 20 countries across all regions involving some 300 enterprises and thousands of workers. Saving Lives, Protecting Jobs tells the stories emerging from the ILO's International HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme. Financed by the US Department of Labor, the programme is also known as Strategic HIV/AIDS Responses by Enterprises (SHARE). The report illustrates that workplace HIV/AIDS prevention and care programmes are both essential and effective, and that every worker and every employer can make a contribution by taking action on AIDS and opposing discrimination. See the press release.
The workplace: gateway to universal access
This new brochure gives a succinct overview of the role of the ILO in reducing discrimination and increasing access to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
Global Fund: new round of grants
Set up four years ago in order to scale up the necessary resources, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) currently mobilizes 20 percent of international financing to combat HIV/AIDS. The GFATM is now calling for a new round of grant proposals from concerned countries. We encourage representatives of our constituents and other partners to strengthen proposals by including a world of work component through the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM).
The deadline for submission of grant proposals is August 3.
For more information, see Workplace action on HIV/AIDS: how to access funds at country level and the Global Fund website in English, French and Spanish.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work - 28 April
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is about making sure workers don't have to compromise their health or their safety for the sake of earning a living. This year, as in previous years, tripartite events took place world wide, and a number of products were developed to support these efforts.
And the ILO joined in too. We held a marathon (a mini one) and a solidarity walk in Geneva. More about our activities worldwide and the products developed
HIV/AIDS and work in a globalizing world - 2005
This new report from the ILO highlights the intrinsic links between poverty, HIV/AIDS, movement for work, and globalization. The negative impact of the epidemic on health and the quality of the labour force, deterring foreign direct investment, is underscored and assessed. The report provides estimates of populations at risk of HIV/AIDS in 34 countries. The links between HIV/AIDS and the movement of persons in search of work, in the course of their work, and in the travel and leisure industries are discussed. Finally, the changes needed to address and manage the HIV/AIDS epidemic at enterprise, national and global levels are outlined. > See the report
New features on the website
Country profiles provide information on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (including labour force statistics, policy and legislation, examples of workplace action and practical resources) and basic data on the epidemic. Fifteen to start with - more to follow. This feature is accessible by clicking on the roll-down menu at the left. The profiles link to new pages providing details of project activities, including reports of national mapping exercises. Also accessible by clicking on Activities at country level.
UN reform and HIV/AIDS
The Global Task Team on HIV/AIDS was set up to improve coordination among multilateral institutions and international donors. The team, composed of representatives of 24 countries and institutions, made recommendations for stronger and more collaborative support to national AIDS programmes. The framework for action (in English, French, Russian and Spanish) is in the process of being endorsed by the governing bodies of the multilateral institutions concerned.
More languages!
The Joint ILO-WHO guidelines on health services and HIV/AIDS are now available in Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian, Russian, and Vietnamese, as well as English, French and Spanish. ILO and WHO staff in country offices are assisting with their dissemination and application.
The ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work has been translated into 33 languages, 27 of which are now available on this website. Languages that have been recently added are Amharic, Ewe, Ga, Hausa, Indonesian, Khmer, Nepali, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, and Twi.
The ILO Guidelines on HIV/AIDS for labour judges and magistrates are now available in French and Spanish as well as in English.
HIV/AIDS programme at the ILO workplace
The Department of Human Resources is implementing an awareness-raising programme on HIV/AIDS for ILO staff. This programme aims to promote a culture of understanding and tolerance in keeping with the ILO's policy on HIV and AIDS. Colleagues from Groupe sida Genève (www.groupesida.ch), UNAIDS, WHO, and ILO/AIDS facilitate the sessions and provide key information on transmission, prevention, care and treatment.
International Women's Day, 8 March 2006
There is more and more evidence about the susceptibility of women and girls to HIV transmission due to gender inequalities as well as biological differences between men and women: 60 per cent of new HIV transmissions are in women, with even higher proportions in women under 25. > More information in English, French, and Spanish.
ILO joins the UN theme group on HIV/AIDS in Albania
The ILO organized a round table in Tirana in February which brought together representatives of the Ministry of Labour and the social partners, the State social service, labour inspectorate, national employment service, Public Health Institute, UNO, UNDP, the ILO, and various NGOs. The meeting aimed to inform and involve the ILO constituents, and to bring together a range of agencies with a stake in the world of work.
Initiatives in the ASEAN Region
ASEAN and the ILO have co-produced a study on HIV/AIDS initiatives and the world of work in the region. The report gives an overview of the epidemic, as well as country reports setting out responses in the world of work.
ILO-SIDA projects encourage HIV mainstreaming at headquarters and in the field
Building on earlier collaboration, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the ILO are launching joint projects with three components: HIV/AIDS prevention in the transport sector; strengthening legal and policy provisions, and improving occupational safety and health; mobilizing cooperatives and community-based organizations in responses to HIV/AIDS. > More information about this project.
Catholic organizations engage in the response to HIV/AIDS
The meeting hosted by the ILO on 23-26 January 2006, with the support of UNAIDS, gave the opportunity to participants from catholic organizations to present the practical work they undertake on HIV/AIDS, which includes provision of over half the medical care in some countries, and to learn of the work of other agencies. It provided a forum for the discussion of common objectives and the creation of partnerships.
Guidelines for the transport sector
These guidelines respond to the different situations, needs and interests of workers and employers in the transport sector. They give examples of action and guidance to complement the ILO Code of practice and assist the social partners in its implementation. See the guidelines.
World AIDS Day in Rome
Launch of ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS in Italian
The Italian version of the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work was launched on 1 December 2005 in Rome during a conference organized by the Italian Society of International Organizations (SIOI) and the Directorate General for Development Cooperation of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event provided the opportunity to initiate a dialogue with the Italian social partners and representatives of international organizations on ways of encouraging enterprise level initiatives based on the key principles of the Code. > Download the Code in Italian
Action at the coal face in India
The ILO helped organize a workshop on HIV/AIDS in the coal mining sector in India on 25-26 November 2005. The aim was to develop a comprehensive approach for mainstreaming HIV/AIDS in the coal sector in India. The report of the workshop will be available soon.
The transport sector in Southern African countries: cross-border regulations and collaboration
A report for the ILO-SIDA Project on HIV/AIDS Prevention in the Transport Sector of Southern African Countries.
Resources for workplace action
Information on sources of funding - multilateral, bilateral and private foundations - and guidance on accessing them.
Joint publication on co-investment and public-private-partnerships (PPP)
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), the Global Business Coalition on AIDS (GBC), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), the Global Health Initiative, the ILO, and the World Bank have joined forces to produce Making Co-Investment a Reality - Strategies and Experiences. This explains how co-investment can strengthen HIV/AIDS workplace programmes and extend them into the community. It gives examples and lessons learnt on PPP and co-investment.
14th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA)
The 14th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa was held in Abuja, Nigeria, 5-8 December. During the Conference, the ILO focused on the role of the workplace in providing a comprehensive package which links prevention and the protection of rights to care and access to treatment. Particular attention was paid to the informal economy. > more information on ILO activities.
WORLD AIDS DAY
Keep the promise at the workplace - the UN and beyond
The global theme of World AIDS Day 2005 was Stop AIDS - keep the promise. This referred in particular to the commitments made by Heads of State at the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS in June 2001, but also to the broader 'promise' of the international community to control the epidemic and help those affected. As current chair of the UNAIDS Committee of Cosponsoring Organizations, the ILO marked this day by holding a public event focusing on workplace action in the community at large and in the UN. The Director-General seized this opportunity to announce the launch, early 2006, of an information programme for ILO staff to be organized by the Department of Human Resources. Additional activities included film shows and an exhibition. See the Programme and get more information about the activities.
Meeting of Committee of UNAIDS Cosponsors, chaired in 2005-6 by ILO
The 26th meeting of the CCO was held on 27 October 2005 in New York with the Executive Heads of all ten Cosponsors, chaired by the Director-General of the ILO. The issues discussed included a review of the functioning of the CCO, the need for more joint programming by Cosponsors, renewed efforts to mainstream HIV/AIDS in all our agencies, and efforts to decentralize operations and support a more country-oriented programme. See the resolution and the report of this meeting.
A special breakfast meeting also took place between the Heads of Agency. Mr Somavia raised the issue of HIV/AIDS in the UN workplace, with particular reference to implementation of the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work. The meeting agreed to put in place a joint UN system HIV/AIDS workplace programme: 'The UN Cares'. Agency Heads also agreed that this year's World AIDS Day message to staff should highlight the workplace and the implementation of the ILO Code. See the summary of decisions.
The next CCO meeting will be held in Madrid on 6 April 2006.> more
Interactive Learning Event
Pilanesburg, South Africa, 11-17 October
The event brought together ILO/AIDS National Project Coordinators (NPCs) and technical specialists from all regions for a week-long gathering to 'share, learn and gain'. This included 19 NPCs from the ILO/USDOL International HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme.
The strategy pursued by the programme is to build the capacity of the tripartite constituents, develop behaviour change communication strategies for targeted sectors, and implement programmes with collaborating enterprises for workers and their families.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Vanguard Mkosana, Director-General of the Department of Labour of South Africa, who reminded the gathering of the negative impact of HIV/AIDS on human resources and sustainable development.
Sharing good practices on HIV/AIDS in CIS countries
Tripartite meeting of technical experts from CIS and Eastern Europe on HIV/AIDS
This meeting held on 11 and 12 October 2005 in Kiev, Ukraine, agreed on the challenges facing their countries and recommendations for action. See the Joint Statement of the CIS technical expert meeting.
Collaboration with UNHCR
A workshop was held in South Africa on 24-26 September 2005 on developing workplace policies on HIV/AIDS for UNHCR implementing partners, and a "resource Pack" CD-Rom prepared.
Post-exposure prophylaxis in HIV transmission:
joint ILO/WHO technical meeting, ILO, 5-7 September 2005
WHO and ILO are collaborating again, this time on the development of policy and guidelines for occupational and non-occupational post exposure prophylaxis. This follows up on their successful joint meeting to finalize guidelines for health services and HIV/AIDS (see the guidelines in English, French and Spanish)
Know your status
The 'Know your status' campaign encourages confidential voluntary counselling and testing. This underpins effective prevention and is essential for treatment and care.
Third wave of projects launched with USDOL funding
Indonesia is the first to begin operations among a new group of countries in the ILO/US Department of Labor (USDOL) Workplace HIV/AIDS Education Programme. The others are Burkina Faso, Cameroon, China, Malawi, Sri Lanka and Trinidad and Tobago. This brings to 23 the number of countries included in the programme. Projects are already well established in Barbados, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Lesotho, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, Swaziland and Togo.
Workplace Action on HIV/AIDS is the the newsletter of the ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work
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