Blueprint For Business Action on HIV/AIDS Workplace prevention activities

Blueprint For Business Action on HIV/AIDSWorkplace prevention activities A presentation by George Wainaina Program Manager, Kenya HIV/AIDS Business Council

Introduction • Why prevention is important? 1.Majority are negative….target the uninfected .E.g. 93% of Kenyans are negative 2. The social vaccine…in the absence of a cure 3.Commercial self interest…invest in prevention, get the dividends 4. Workplace provides captive audience.. Entry point to prevention

Prevention in the workplace • Must be part of a response package as demonstrated in the building blocks model whose bedrock is the policy

AWARENESS, • EDUCATION & • PREVENTION, ETC • Awareness programs • Workplace discussion forums • Peer group educators • People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) involved • Condoms distributed • In-house counselors • VCT available • Post exposure prophylaxis policy/procedure • Site Committees on HIV/AIDS

Prevention in the workplace • Must address critical success factors • Create the necessary pillars that support prevention activities • Be part of a comprehensive package that addresses all issues • Ensure safe working environment, focusing on stigma and discrimination • Best when it is part of the wellness programs

Critical success factors • Content • Form • Implementation pathway with critical pillars

1. Identify focal point/team 2. Baseline assessment 3.Develop a plan of action 4. Implement the various build block of a program 5. Monitor and evaluate 6. Implement lessons learnt 7. Ensure prevention fits overall policy and program activities

IMPACT? Outcomes? MONITORING AND EVALUATION Treatment, Care and Support Prevention, awareness & education Voluntary counseling and testing Ext. Comm. & stakeholder mgt. Relevant partnerships Policy, budget, management systems and structures Leadership and commitment

INTEGRATED APPROACH HEALTH CARE SERVICES OPERATIONAL CLINICAL SERVICES VCT ARV PROVISION M & E EMPLOYEES, PEER EDUCATORS, HR MANAGERS LABOR UNIONS FOCAL POINT/ WORKPLACE COMMITTEE & CONSULTANTS M & E MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY POLICY, COMMITMENT FUNDS/RESOURCE ALLOCATION FAMILIES CBOS NGOS & OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

Common pitfalls in prevention programs • Failure to • target real problem- behaviour change • involve all levels of staff • allocate enough resources • Must address stigma and discriminations • mainstream HIV/AIDS into the business way of doing things • Sustain the program. Hit and run…not a once off activity • lack of senior mgt. commitment • Address cultural and gender issues

HIV/AIDS not a once off activity i.e not a hit and run activity. • Need for continuous improvement calling for innovative approaches

Prevention and treatment: a virtuous cycle Controls the epidemic, reducing the number of people in need of treatment and allowing better use of resources Prevention Treatment • Reduces denial, stigma and discrimination • Provides incentive to learn HIV status • Preserves community structures, keeps families intact, and reduces size of at-risk populations such as widows and orphans • Supports PLWHA who can educate others • Lowers transmission risk • PMTCT Plus program protects the mothers and the children Dr. Jim Kim Director- HIV AIDS Department, World Health Organization

Thank you

Blueprint For Business Action on HIV/AIDS Workplace prevention activities