Addressing HIV related Stigma and Discrimination in the world of work S. Mohammad Afsar Senior Technical Specialist ILO/AIDS, Geneva

Statements for discussion

People with HIV infection should be isolated to prevent further transmission. AIDS is mainly a problem of people with immoral behaviour. There should be compulsory testing for HIV to prevent the spread of HIV. A person living with HIV must disclose his/her status. Women with HIV infection should not have children.

Les personnes infectées par le VIH devraient être isolées pour empêcher la propagation. Le sida est essentiellement un problème de personnes ayant un comportement immoral. Il devrait y avoir un test obligatoire de dépistage du VIH afin de prévenir la propagation du VIH. Une personne vivant avec le VIH doit divulguer son statut. Les femmes infectées par le VIH ne devraient pas avoir d'enfants.

Key reasons for Stigma & Discrimination: HIV/AIDS often seen from the moralistic lens - Only people with promiscuous/immoral behaviour get HIV/AIDS Due to ignorance- There are many myths about routes of HIV transmission

Stigma & discrimination at workplace: Termination of services on the basis of HIV status HIV screening for recruitment and to remain in job Denial of promotion, benefits, opportunities etc. Non-cooperation by colleagues and management Forced early retirement

ILO Study on socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS in India Conducted by PLHIV networks in Delhi, Maharashtra, Manipur and Tamil Nadu About 70% reported having faced discrimination Women (74%) faced more discrimination than men (68%) Nearly 33% faced discriminated by family Nearly 32 % faced discrimination in health care settings Six percent reported discriminated in workplace

“After my family knew about my HIV status, they immediately kept my glass, plates, clothes, etc., separate and I was given a separate room.” A male respondent from Delhi

“The remarks made by the hospital staff made me feel very ashamed” “The hospital staff has given us a yellow card so that people can easily identify us as HIV+” “The doctor asked my spouse to administer injection and saline fluids on his own” “The remarks made by the hospital staff made me feel very ashamed” - Women respondents from Tamil Nadu

Discrimination at workplace: 6% reported discrimination at workplace. Could be higher as many did not disclose their HIV status to employers for fear of losing job Denial of promotion, voluntary retirement etc., were some of the forms of discrimination Discrimination by co-workers were also cited as main reason for changing jobs frequently (8%) Confidentiality norms are not being followed at workplaces

Future concerns of PLHIV: Affordable anti-retroviral therapy and medicines Well being of children in the future Steady source of income and continued Employment Reduce HIV/AIDS related stigma & discrimination

Key lessons: Fighting Stigma and discrimination is a good strategy for HIV prevention Integration of PLHIV helps the programme. Isolation is counter- productive Non-discriminatory workplace HIV/AIDS policy creates an enabling environment for PLHIV to access care and support services and encourages voluntary testing

Key message of a person living with HIV