ILAB Technical Cooperation Project Summary

ILAB Program	HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Program
project title	HIV/AIDS Prevention in the Workplace: A Tripartite Response
Region/Country	Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, and Malawi
Project Duration	2003 – 2008
Funding Level	FY03: $3,000,000 FY07: $550,000
Problem to be Addressed	Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland and Malawi are seriously affected by the AIDS epidemic in terms of its impact on their social, labour and economic development. The HIV prevalence rate is very high in the region ranging from 38.8% for Botswana to 20.1% for South Africa for the 15-49 age group, which is the most skilled and economically active segment of the society. Fear, social stigmatization, and workplace discrimination are common and inhibit traditional prevention and education efforts from reducing the infection rate.
Targets	Ministries of labor and civil servants, employers, workers, textile and garment industries, small to medium enterprises, and informal sector businesses.
Project Objectives	Reduced HIV/AIDS risk behaviors of employees and families from targeted enterprises; and Reduced level of workplace discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS
Summary of Activities	Develop comprehensive workplace-based prevention and education programs addressing behavior change, gender issues, and linkages with care and support services. Assist governments, employers, and trade unions to develop and disseminate a national workplace policy statement to address issues stemming from the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. Support the formation of tripartite advisory committees; organization of workshops to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders; and obtaining buy-in from stakeholders to plan and commit future resources to sustain the program Facilitate the formation of steering committees at private sector work sites. Assess the impact of HIV/AIDS on productivity in the workplace. Identify best practices. Develop and test innovative communication approaches and materials.
Contact Information	Office of Trade and Labor Affairs Division of Trade Agreement Administration and Technical Cooperation (202) 693-4900
Last Updated	August 2007