Reaching the informal sector in concentrated epidemics Richard Howard, ILO Regional Office Bangkok Abstract no.A Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

Goals of Workplace Programs Eliminate stigma and discrimination Reduce risk behaviors Increase uptake of services Priority focus on voluntary HIV testing linked to treatment and care Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

Stigma and Discrimination PLHIVCurrently employed Dismissed from employment due to HIV status Refused new employment opportunity due to HIV status Thailand79.4%32.2%26.2% China64%22.4%14.8% Sri Lanka61.6%11.1%4% Bangladesh64.7%43.2%9.27% Myanmar76%41%15% UNAIDS Stigma Index Surveys

Targeting workplace programs Asia and the Pacific epidemics are concentrated in key populations – MSM, SW and PID -MSM Prevalence 10 to 30 percent -SW 1 to 20% -PID 1- 37% -Mobile male workers and migrants – 1 – 2% Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

Approach Advocacy, leadership, ownership NGO builds capacity and company manages programs Linkages with health services, VCT (mobile and referral), adherence support

Workplace programs for Mobile Men: example Papua, Indonesia Partner with large scale resource companies – e.g. Pertamina Policy Prevention Testing linked to care Extend to community Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

Bangkok Sauna Program Targeting workers and customers -Guidelines on safe sauna -Policy at workplace level -Training for workers -Outreach and supplies for customers Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

Cambodia Entertainment Sector Documentation of labour rights violations – Apheda and WNU National policy on labour rights and entertainment work Model programs – safety and health and gender equality Protect Human Rights at Work, Prevent HIV

Conclusions Workplace programs can reach key population in the informal sector NGOs play a critical role Key to address human rights Size matters but reaching the right people with the right intervention if priority