World
AIDS Day, 1 December 2012
This World AIDS day commemoration carries
a unanimous hope that the world can bring an end to AIDS. This belief is upheld
by the significant progress achieved in preventing new infections and
increasing access to HIV treatment, care and support.
The ILO has fully played its part in this
global endeavour by promoting the understanding of AIDS as a workplace issue,
mobilizing action in the world of work and strengthening the capacity of its
constituents to adopt policies and sustain effective programmes.
Yes, progress has been made but
challenges remain as AIDS related illnesses are still
threatening the lives of many workers and those who depend on them; families,
communities and enterprises. The current economic and financial crisis in many
industrialized countries and the subsequent slowdown in emerging economies has
resource implications for Getting to Zero. We have to protect the gains
achieved while concentrating our limited resources in regions with the highest
needs to maximize impact.
Today the ILO reaffirms its commitment to
using the workplace as a gateway to “Getting to zero new HIV infections, Zero
discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths” in close collaboration with its
constituencies: governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, UNAIDS,
civil society, including organizations of people living with HIV, and all
development partners. The central role of our social partners facilitated by
the use of social dialogue should allow the workplace policies and programmes
to contribute significantly towards Getting to zero.
The ILO’s Recommendation
No 200 on HIV AIDS and the World of Work, together with our Code of Practice,
provide sound guidance on workplace action in “Getting to zero”.
We are launching
a campaign on “Getting to zero at
work”. Heads of UNAIDS cosponsoring
agencies and the Secretariat have joined in, recognizing the vital role that the workplace plays in
the global struggle to limit the spread and effects of the epidemic.
Together, we are
committed to protecting the human rights of people living with HIV, including
the right to work which is not only a right but an integral part of the
treatment. Now, when early diagnosis and
access to treatment allows millions of people living with HIV worldwide to
continue to work and live long productive lives, “Getting to zero at work”
assumes much more significance, particularly for the youth. Young people
account for over 40% of new HIV infections globally each year. These figures tell us that while we must
ensure decent jobs for young people we must also strongly advocate that a
positive HIV status should not be a barrier to accessing employment.
“Getting to zero”
is also about addressing gender inequalities. In addition to the burden of
caring for people living with HIV, women experience violence and economic
inequalities that make them more vulnerable economically and challenge their
access to health services. The involvement of men is critical in these efforts
to promote responsible behaviour in sexual and reproductive health and to
eradicate violence against women.
The recent UNAIDS report ‘Together we can end
AIDS’ is encouraging. Protecting the most productive segment of society should
be at the heart of the response if we want to end AIDS.
Let’s join hands
in ‘Getting to Zero at work’.
Post a Comment