FG Unveils New Workplace Policy to Tackle HIV/AIDS

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

In a bid to further check the spread of HIV/AIDS, the federal government, Thursday, launched its National Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS.

The policy seeks to redirect the fight against the disease by empowering communities and fostering a culture of inclusivity and support within workplaces.
The event which coincided with the commemoration of the World AIDS Day, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Abuja and unveiled by the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha.

 She said the launch of the new policy marked a critical turning point in the country’s fight against the HIV-AIDS disease. “Let Communities Lead,” the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day, resonates deeply with the policy’s focus on community-driven solutions. Recognizing the vital role communities play in raising awareness, dispelling stigma, and providing essential support, the policy aims to harness their leadership and resilience in tackling the epidemic,” she said.

While acknowledging the progress made globally in preventing, treating, and caring for HIV/AIDS, the Minister said there is the need for continued vigilance.

 “HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern,” she stated, highlighting the alarming rise in new infections despite previous declines in some countries.
“The National Workplace Policy is designed to address this challenge head-on. By integrating HIV/AIDS prevention into workplaces, the policy seeks to: Create safer and more productive work environments; Implement fair employment practices for individuals living with HIV/AIDS; Encourage community involvement in workplace health initiatives.

“This policy stands as a comprehensive framework recognizing the unique role workplaces play in the lives of individuals and communities,” declared Hon. Onyejiocha.

Onyejiocha urged employers, employees, trade unions, and all stakeholders to embrace and implement the policy, fostering a workplace culture that champions inclusivity and empowers individuals living with HIV/AIDS to lead fulfilling lives.

While urging Nigerians to show love and to stop stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS, minister said the disease is no longer a death sentence since there are now medicines that can sustain infected people for life.

Also addressing the gathering, the Country Director of the Representative of the NLC and the Deputy General Secretary, Chris Onyeka, said that communities should be left to lead the new drive against spread of HIV in the country.

He said that government and all employers of labour should try to make the workplace environment conducive for employees to perform their duties to minimize spread of diseases.

He said that the National Workplace Policy is a collective endeavour of stakeholders, adding that its implementation should also involve all of them.
On its part, TUC said the new policy would address all firms of stigmatization and victimization of persons living with HIV-AIDS in the workplace.
Mr. Paul Femi Samuel who represented the Director General of Nigeria Employers Consultative Assembly (NECA) said that workplace is very crucial place for sensitization of the people on measures against the spread of HIV.

He said that NECA is committed to working with government and other stakeholders in ensuring a more prosperous, inclusive and safer working environment.
ILO Country Director in Nigeria, Venessa Phala expressed the hope that the policy initiative will enhance the fight against spread of HIV AIDS in the Nigeria.

Earlier while explaining the new response policy, representative of the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Emmanuel Igbinosun said the document emphasizes a community-centric approach, recognizes the unique role that workplaces play in the lives of individuals and communities.

“It is designed to promote awareness, inclusion and to provide a framework for the prevention, support and management HIV/AIDS within our workplace,” he said.