in this issue...

At a time when HIV is still spreading steadily across the globe, we are also witnessing progress in controlling this deadly disease. Responses to the AIDS epidemic have grown and improved considerably over the last few years. The objective of this E-bulletin is to circulate AIDS-related news, publications, literature and research to affiliated unions and others working in this field. It is a part of our new Global HIV/AIDS project, which is targeting ITF affiliates all over the globe. Get involved! For further information and queries please contact Dr. Syed Asif Altaf, Global HIV/AIDS Project Coordinator, Altaf_Asif@itf.org.uk or the Regional Education Coordinator in your ITF region, ITF Education Department: education@itf.org.uk .

This issue of the E-bulletin will look at the recently concluded ITF Latin American regional HIV workshop in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The issue will also focus on Namibia where the Namibia Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (NATAU) is implementing a workplace HIV/AIDS programme in collaboration with the employers

ITF Latin American regional HIV/AIDS workshop focuses on developing a prevention culture to control the epidemic

The ITF inter-American regional office organized a regional HIV/AIDS workshop in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during November 5-8, 2007 to challenge HIV/AIDS in transport sector. 18 affiliated unions from 12 countries of the region sent 25 delegates to acquire knowledge, exchange ideas, experience. The main objective of the workshop was to help the affiliates and leaders in the region to have a trade union perspective of the epidemic and to understand the importance of addressing the phenomenon as a workplace issue. The other objective of the workshop was to help unions develop a workplace policy and collective bargaining agreement on HIV/AIDS in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

A series of interactive sessions were conducted during the workshop in accordance with the programme, which included the following topics:

• Global and Regional perspectives on HIV/AIDS
• Vulnerability of transport workers and ITF’s response.
• Understanding HIV/AIDS
• HIV/AIDS and the workplace- Impact on workers, unions and workplace
• Trade union action against HIV/AIDS
• ILO Code and HIV/AIDS
• Developing workplace policies and programmes on HIV/AIDS
• Collective Bargaining Agreements

Around half the seminar participants were women, which has strengthened the potential for crucial gender equality work, critical for fighting the pandemic more effectively in the region. Each of the delegates reported on the campaigns and activities their organisations have been developing, as well as their plans for the future related to the objective of building up a prevention culture and also to ensure necessary care and support for the infected workers and their families. As trade unionists and transport workers, participants explored effective ways in which both employees and employers would benefit from the establishment of a workplace policy and programme. It was recognized that a policy was in the interests of all stakeholders and trade unions should work towards having an HIV/AIDS policy embodied in all collective bargaining agreements. It is hoped that the workshop is just the beginning of a more united approach to fighting the pandemic in Latin America.

Antonio Rodriguez Fritz, ITF inter American secretary, said: “The terrible effects of HIV in some regions of the world have demonstrated to all of us, that we should promote prevention actions, in order to avoid the continuation of its expansion. We are confident that in each one of our trade union organisations this theme will be dealt with as a priority, pervading the different union activities, so that we may help to control this disease in Latin America.”

Namibia Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (NATAU) is implementing workplace HIV/AIDS programme in collaboration with the employers

HIV/AIDS will continue to hamper Namibia's development efforts unless the country scales up treatment and prevention programs, according to a recent report published by the United Nations Development Programme. According to the report, the average income in Namibia increased from 5,500 Namibian dollars, or $810, in the early 1990s to nearly 10,500 Namibian dollars, or $1,540, in 2004. The report also found that education improved during the same time period. However, the average life expectancy in Namibia has decreased by more than 10 years since 1991 -- a "direct result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which represents the greatest cause of death in the country.

The positive effects of development are "more than outweighed by the fall in life expectancy, pulling the index down.” Despite ambitious efforts to control HIV/AIDS, particularly through treatment, "prevention needs to be improved." The report concluded that achieving these goals depends on the "effectiveness with which programs to treat those with AIDS and prevent new HIV infections are implemented." UNAIDS estimates show that about 23% of Namibians between ages 15 and 49 are HIV-positive.

The Namibia Transport and Allied Workers Union (NATAU) in collaboration with the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG), a body representing transport companies and other stakeholders in Walvis Bay port is supporting the national response by implementing a HIV/AIDS workplace programme, which includes the following activities:

• Development and implementation of an HIV/AIDS workplace policy
• Provision of Peer Educators Training
• Distribution of BCC materials and condoms.
• Provision and promotion of services, information, treatment and care with respect to HIV/AIDS
• Promoting Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT).

Recently NATAU organised a strategic planning workshop to draw up a 5 year workplace intervention programme.