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

2. Statements for discussion

3. 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.

4. Stigma & discrimination
Human rights violations in the workplace
Denial of access
to employment
Breach of
confidentiality
Disclosure
of HIV status
Mandatory HIV
testing or screening
Stigma and discrimination
Takes three forms –
Pre-employment: mandatory testing or screening, restrictions on accessing certain kinds of employment
Differing terms and conditions
Unfair dismissal
Inequality in terms
and conditions
of employment
Unjustified
dismissal
Stigma & discrimination
and Gender Inequality

5. Stigma and Discrimination at Work
Source: Evidence Brief, GNP+, 2012, Findings from the People Living with HIV Stigma Index
13% in Poland to 40% in Kenya and Zambia reported loss of job or source of income.
8% in Estonia to 45% in Nigeria lost their job or source of income.
5% in Mexico to 27% in Nigeria were refused the opportunity to work.
4% in Estonia to 28% in Kenya had had their nature of work changed or denied promotion.
8% in Estonia to 54% in Malaysia reported discriminatory reactions from employers.
5% in Estonia to 54% in Malaysia reported discriminatory reactions from co-workers

6. Key reasons for Stigma & Discrimination:
HIV/AIDS often seen from the moralistic lens - Only people with promiscuous behaviour get HIV.
Lack of correct knowledge about HIV and AIDS

7. Key lessons:
Reducing Stigma and discrimination is a good strategy for HIV prevention
It is important to protect the rights of People living with HIV.
Non-discriminatory workplace HIV/AIDS policy creates an enabling environment for people to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.

8. A message from a person living with HIV

9. THANK YOU ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work (ILO/AIDS)