Jamaica Observer, 22 October 2014

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - An estimated 22,085 people in Trinidad and Tobago are living with HIV, according to UNAIDS Strategic Intervention Adviser Dr Miriam Chipimo.

The number of new cases has also increased in recent years which is quite alarming, Chipimo said.

Chipimo was speaking at a breakfast meeting yesterday (Monday) at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, Port of Spain.

The meeting was an initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development held in collaboration with the National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

"We have to ask ourselves why this is so, given the investment in educating the population on HIV and AIDS over so many years. Clearly this is not translating into behaviour change and behaviour modification to reduce sexual transmission," Chipimo said.

"Even more concerning is that there is an increase in the number of AIDS-related deaths from 42 in 2011 to 55 in 2012, an indication of the quality of care for people living with HIV.

Of particular concern, Chipimo said, was persons being afraid to get tested for HIV.

"Two out of five people will not get an HIV test because they fear the results may not remain confidential and they might be stigmatised should they test positive," she said.

This issue needs to be addressed in the workplace, Chipimo added.

"We need to promote safer sex, use of condoms and healthy lifestyles. This means workers would not only be counselled, screened and tested for HIV, but also for blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI (body mass index) and other chronic diseases," she said.

This "package" approach would lead to less stigmatising, time saving, and a healthy workforce, Chipimo said.

Trade unions also have an important role to play in ensuring that workers with HIV/AIDS are treated fairly in the workplace, said Advocacy Officer of the National HIV/AIDS Workplace Advocacy and Sustainability Centre (HASC), Salim October.

"Leaders in trade unions have influence in addressing stigma and discrimination issues, and you can use your positions to bring a voice to the issues at various levels and at various forums," he said.

October advised that focus on HIV/AIDS should not be pushed aside in light of other issues.

"National attention is focused on Chikungunya and Ebola, but it is important not to forget about HIV and AIDS," October said.

Source: Jamaica Observer