National Policy on HIV and AIDS and the World of Work in India – The Rationale, Process and Lessons Learnt

Article | 01 July 2010


India - July 2010

ICAAP_informal sector India_presentation by group on HIV &AIDS

Issues

Strengthening the national policy environment in relation to HIV and AIDS in the world of work was considered necessary as 90% of HIV infections in India are reported among the most productive age group (15-49 years-old). Inter- and intra-country migration for employment enhances the risk of HIV infection. Hence the need to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MOLE) and employers’ and workers’ organizations to effectively partner with the National AIDS Control Programme.

Description

The Indian Ministry of Labour and Employment, with assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO), undertook advocacy and organized capacity building programmes for key stakeholders based on the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work, in partnership with associations of people living with HIV (PLHIV). The first success was witnessed in 2005 when national level employers’ organizations signed a common statement of commitment to HIV and AIDS. In 2007, central trade unions launched their joint statement of commitment.

Building upon this, the Ministry of Labour and Employment launched in October 2009 the National Policy on HIV and AIDS and the World of Work, which was developed through a consultative process involving the National AIDS Control Organization. The policy contains guidelines for employers and workers in the public and private sectors and highlights the role and responsibilities of world of work stakeholders.

Lessons Learned

The development process of the National Policy resulted in moving the workplace HIV agenda forward and enhancing ownership of stakeholders.

  • The rationale for a separate National HIV and AIDS Policy for the world of work when the country already had a national HIV and AIDS Policy was to provide clear guidelines for HIV and AIDS workplace policies and programmes within the broad framework of the National Policy.
  • The engagement of people living with HIV was useful to enhance action.
  • The leadership of the Ministry of Labour and Employment played a key role.

Next Steps

Next steps will consist of:

  • Giving effect to the Plan of Action for effective implementation of the Policy.
  • Setting up a national Steering Committee on HIV and AIDS and the World of Work to oversee the implementation of the policy.