Fighting HIV/AIDS in our workplaces

Back row from left: 2013 awardees representing National Milling Company of Guyana Inc, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Edward B Beharry and Company Ltd, Scotiabank and the GRA. Seated from left: Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony, NAPS Programme Manager Dr Shanti Singh; Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Jennifer Webster and UNAIDS Country Coordinator Dr Roberto Campos

Q. Have you been able to measure the impact which the Coalition has had on employer responses to HIV/AIDS at the workplace?

A. Yes. We have been able to do so through the various sustained elements of workplace programmes. Throughout the life of the Coalition and organization workplace programmes one of the main aims has been the reduction of stigma related to HIV in workplaces – we receive no reports about incidents regarding stigma and discrimination in the workplaces mainly because of the frequent HIV awareness activities taking place in workplaces; secondly, there is continued employee participation in peer educator training. Prevention activities go beyond the education of employees to the supply of condoms in the workplaces. Employers also promote HIV counselling and testing services and employees sometimes access