Understanding HIV/Aids related Stigma and Discrimination in the work place.

International HIV/AIDS conference’ Washington, DC24th July 2012

Presented By; Mugisha Sam- RCRC+/ HIV work Places;

Uganda Red Cross Society

Presentation lay out

• Definitions.• Examples of stigma and discrimination in the

world of work.• How RCRC+ is mitigating them.• Conclusion.

Stigma• A social process of devaluing a person(s) with a

special condition that is “perceived” to be unfitting in society.

Discrimination• Unequal and dangerous treatment of people

that are living in a certain condition that is “perceived” to be unfitting in society.

Examples of stigma and discrimination in the world of work

• Silence about our own status at our work places

• Under looking of people with different sexual orientations.

• Fear to take medications openly in our work places.

• Fear to ask for support from others with regard to our health even when we are certain about our HIV/AIDS status

Examples of stigma and discrimination cont’d

• Fear to bargain for the inclusion of HIV treatment support in the health insurance schemes.

• Fear to disclose health/un-health challenges faced by our beloved ones.

• Fear to take sick leave over the fact that others will wonder why so many sick leaves

Examples of stigma and discrimination Cont’d

• Fear to switch offices in case of transfer from one office to another where new colleagues won’t be so friendly.

• Fear to make medical requisition for treatment of HIV related diseases just because other people who are thought to be negative might see them. (HIV related)

• Failure to allow other people to visit us while in specific health facilities known to provide HIV/AIDS services mainly.

• Fear to access VCT services from work places when such opportunities arise.

• Fear to access services from organizations’ clinics even if services are paid for by our organizations.

RCRC+ is mitigating them.

• Championing Masambo fund• Acting as focal persons and leading HIV work

place interventions• Networking and sharing with other positives

to provide support (Guest Speakers etc)• Peer engagement (talks and support)• HIV work Place talks during organizational

gatherings

Mitigating cont’d• Policy/Program development and supporting

implementation (disseminations).• Management engagement in work place

interventions at all levels. • Openly disclosing /testimonies to the wider

public/visibility is critical to dismantling stigma.• Interviews published in News letters etc• Support “friends” who reach us in need to

services thru counseling, referral, visits etc.• Developing and print of IEC material against

stigma and discrimination in the work place.

Mitigating cont’d

• Advocacy for Inclusion of HIV issues in the health and safety policies and incorporating HIV related services in health insurance schemes.

• VCT in communities• Where policies exist with less action, we

demand for action.• Mobile resources for HIV work Place

interventions ( small scale!!)

Mitigating cont’d

• Communication, communication, communication.• Integrating HIV work place efforts with other issues

(Kojja and Senga club)• Strengthening of peer educators within the work

place.• Engagement in the HIV/AIDS work place committees.• Dissemination of the Red Cross Fundamental

principles Humanity, Impartiality, neutrality, independency, Voluntary services,

unity and universality

Mitigation and dissemination cont’d

And the humanitarian values; • protection of life, health, and human dignity.• Respect for the human being.• Non discrimination.• Mutual understanding.• Volunteer service.

Registration for testing during VCT