“The Jamaican business community has stepped up and embraced JaBCHA as a valuable tool to reduce HIV/AIDS related stigma in the workplace. We are encouraged to know that
our progress is being shared with others around the world" said JaBCHA Chairman Phil Green, CEO of Cable and Wireless.
Abner Mason, founder of ARP, said, “JaBCHA is a model organization. Their success proves that the business community can be a part of the solution addressing the health needs
of employees and their families. As we move forward, it is clear that this unique ARP model can be adapted to address a variety of health concerns facing communities around the
world.”
our progress is being shared with others around the world" said JaBCHA Chairman Phil Green, CEO of Cable and Wireless.
Abner Mason, founder of ARP, said, “JaBCHA is a model organization. Their success proves that the business community can be a part of the solution addressing the health needs
of employees and their families. As we move forward, it is clear that this unique ARP model can be adapted to address a variety of health concerns facing communities around the
world.”
AIDS Responsibility Project in JAMAICA
AIDS Responsibility Project (ARP) bridges the gaps between the public and private sectors responses to HIV/AIDS. While in Jamaica in
2004 with U.S. congressional staff, ARP recognized the need to create an awareness campaign to address HIV stigma and discrimination
in the Jamaican workplace.
With matching funding from Merck and USAID, the first global business alliance of its kind was created in Jamaica to address HIV/AIDS.
Following extensive research, ARP and Constella Futures, worked diligently with the largest employers to provide technical assistance
and research to support the business community’s response to HIV issues within the workplace.
In 2006 the Jamaican Business Council on HIV/AIDS (JaBCHA) was founded by Bank of Nova Scotia, Cable & Wireless, Capital & Credit
Financial Group, Cari-Med Ltd., Carreras Group, Citigroup, COK Co-operative Credit Union, Grace Kennedy, Guardian Life, Island Grill,
Jamaica Broilers Group, Jamaica National Building Society, Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, LASCO, Life of Jamaica, Manpower Maintenance
Services, National Commercial Bank Jamaica, Paymaster, Red Stripe Diageo, Restaurant Associates and WalkersWood Caribbean
Foods.
JaBCHA council members work collaboratively to provide the best response to minimize the overall impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace.
Together new policies and strategies were incorporated to address human resources policies as well as educational campaigns on
prevention, testing and treatment.
As a result of ARP’s efforts with the Latin American business communities to address HIV issues in the workplace, the World Economic
Forum’s Global Health Initiative has cited national business coalitions developed by ARP as “effective platforms for the private sector
response to the epidemic” in their 2008 report entitled, Business Coalitions Tackling AIDS.”
AIDS Responsibility Project (ARP) bridges the gaps between the public and private sectors responses to HIV/AIDS. While in Jamaica in
2004 with U.S. congressional staff, ARP recognized the need to create an awareness campaign to address HIV stigma and discrimination
in the Jamaican workplace.
With matching funding from Merck and USAID, the first global business alliance of its kind was created in Jamaica to address HIV/AIDS.
Following extensive research, ARP and Constella Futures, worked diligently with the largest employers to provide technical assistance
and research to support the business community’s response to HIV issues within the workplace.
In 2006 the Jamaican Business Council on HIV/AIDS (JaBCHA) was founded by Bank of Nova Scotia, Cable & Wireless, Capital & Credit
Financial Group, Cari-Med Ltd., Carreras Group, Citigroup, COK Co-operative Credit Union, Grace Kennedy, Guardian Life, Island Grill,
Jamaica Broilers Group, Jamaica National Building Society, Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, LASCO, Life of Jamaica, Manpower Maintenance
Services, National Commercial Bank Jamaica, Paymaster, Red Stripe Diageo, Restaurant Associates and WalkersWood Caribbean
Foods.
JaBCHA council members work collaboratively to provide the best response to minimize the overall impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace.
Together new policies and strategies were incorporated to address human resources policies as well as educational campaigns on
prevention, testing and treatment.
As a result of ARP’s efforts with the Latin American business communities to address HIV issues in the workplace, the World Economic
Forum’s Global Health Initiative has cited national business coalitions developed by ARP as “effective platforms for the private sector
response to the epidemic” in their 2008 report entitled, Business Coalitions Tackling AIDS.”
| (from left) USAID Jamaica Mission Director Karen Turner, Futures Group Consultant Kathy McClure (standing), ARP Executive Director Abner Mason, Jamaica Employers Federation Executive Director Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd and Merck Sharpe and Dohme Managing Director Dr. Cesar Simich sign a Memorandum of Understaning creating the first Global Development Alliance in Jamaica. |
AIDS
| From left: James Moss-Solomon, chief corporate affairs officer of GraceKennedy; Abner Mason, executive director for the AIDS Responsibility Project; John Junor, Jamaica Minister of Health, and Dr. Cesar Simich, managing director of Merck Sharp and Dohme, in discussion after the launch of the Jamaica Employer's Federation, 'Uniting Against HIV/AIDS: Good for Business Survey Report on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace and a Private Sector Response Strategy' at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, yesterday. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER |
Still no place for HIV in some offices
published: Friday | March 17, 2006
Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
'Uniting Against HIV/AIDS: Good for People ... Good for Business Survey Report on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace and a Private Sector
Response Strategy' at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, yesterday.
published: Friday | March 17, 2006
Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
'Uniting Against HIV/AIDS: Good for People ... Good for Business Survey Report on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace and a Private Sector
Response Strategy' at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, yesterday.
DESPITE EFFORTS to reduce stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS, a recent survey has revealed that 13 per cent of employers
would decline to hire an HIV-positive individual.
The survey, which was conducted by the AIDS Responsibility Project (ARP), led by the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF), interviewed
23 companies in 11 sectors in February.
It was also revealed that 62 per cent of companies have no HIV/AIDS-specific employment policies.
Abner Mason, executive director of ARP, said managers and human resources departments operating without HIV-specific policies resort
to ad hoc responses when HIV/AIDS is disclosed or suspected in the workplace.
Mr. Mason said yesterday that people avoid being tested for HIV/AIDS because of a fear of losing their job. He was speaking during the
launch of the survey, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston.
Additionally, the survey found that 96 per cent of companies have confidentiality policies covering HIV status, but only half have any
enforcement procedures in place. All employers reported that they would not fire an employee on the basis of HIV/AIDS.
In the meantime, the JEF is to launch a national business council on HIV/AIDS in May.
The JEF said the primary focus of the council would be to address stigma and discrimination in the workplace.
Thirteen companies operating in Jamaica have signed a corporate values statement that reflects the proposed mission statement of the
national business council on HIV/AIDS.
CRITICAL ROLE
In his remarks, John Junor, Minister of Health, said the role of the business council would be critical in augmenting the work of the national AIDS programme.
He noted that 70 per cent of the 22,000 Jamaicans living with HIV/AIDS are not aware of their status. Mr. Junor told the gathering that, if emphasis is not placed on getting people
tested, "we are going to be in serious trouble".
He announced that the Global Fund had approved a second tranche of $240 million to assist with the funding of HIV projects and providing anti-retroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS-infected
persons.
The survey was funded by a public-private partnership between Merck Sharp and Dohme and the United States Agency for International Development.
In his remarks, John Junor, Minister of Health, said the role of the business council would be critical in augmenting the work of the national AIDS programme.
He noted that 70 per cent of the 22,000 Jamaicans living with HIV/AIDS are not aware of their status. Mr. Junor told the gathering that, if emphasis is not placed on getting people
tested, "we are going to be in serious trouble".
He announced that the Global Fund had approved a second tranche of $240 million to assist with the funding of HIV projects and providing anti-retroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS-infected
persons.
The survey was funded by a public-private partnership between Merck Sharp and Dohme and the United States Agency for International Development.
| (from left) ARP Executive Director Abner Mason, US Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda LaGrange Johnson, and Jamaica Employers Federation President and Executive Director respectively, Mrs. Audrey Hinchcliffe and Mrs. Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd at the release of ARP's HIV/AIDS Corporate Survey for Jamaica. |
HIV/AIDS report says epidemic will affect business profits
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
by Michael Williams
Caribbean Net News Jamaica Correspondent
Email: michael@caribbeannetnews.com
KINGSTON, Jamaica: The bottom-line of businesses will be affected if HIV/AIDS related stigma and issues in the workplace are not
addressed immediately.
This was the general consensus from the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) meeting staged in conjunction with the U.S. based
company Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).
JEF formally announced that they will be leading the effort to launch a national business council on HIV/AIDS in May, which will address
stigma and discrimination in the workplace.
The launch held at the Jamaica Pegasus, highlighted some of the concerns that workers had as it relates to discrimination in the
workplace, which is a major barrier to HIV testing, prevention and care programmes.
Over 60 percent of companies surveyed in the report did not have HIV-specific policies, though the estimated numbers of people living with
the disease is estimated to be four to eight times higher than employers know about.
Furthermore, the survey said 96 percent of companies have confidentiality policies covering HIV status, but only half have had
confidentiality enforcement mechanisms in place.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
by Michael Williams
Caribbean Net News Jamaica Correspondent
Email: michael@caribbeannetnews.com
KINGSTON, Jamaica: The bottom-line of businesses will be affected if HIV/AIDS related stigma and issues in the workplace are not
addressed immediately.
This was the general consensus from the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) meeting staged in conjunction with the U.S. based
company Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).
JEF formally announced that they will be leading the effort to launch a national business council on HIV/AIDS in May, which will address
stigma and discrimination in the workplace.
The launch held at the Jamaica Pegasus, highlighted some of the concerns that workers had as it relates to discrimination in the
workplace, which is a major barrier to HIV testing, prevention and care programmes.
Over 60 percent of companies surveyed in the report did not have HIV-specific policies, though the estimated numbers of people living with
the disease is estimated to be four to eight times higher than employers know about.
Furthermore, the survey said 96 percent of companies have confidentiality policies covering HIV status, but only half have had
confidentiality enforcement mechanisms in place.
Detailing the survey report and response strategy, Abner Mason, Executive Director of the AIDS Responsibility Project, said that due to a lack of policy, many companies are wasting
money dealing with the issue in an ad hoc manner.
“Inefficient management hurts your bottom line. In Jamaica some 70 percent of persons do not know their status. Offering HIV testing to employees and applicants forces people to
take responsibility for themselves but using HIV screening to exclude applicants will only increase stigma and fear and feed the epidemic.
"HIV does not stop at the company doors or factory gates so confidentiality policies must signal a friendly work environment and is a most cost effective measure. Our strongest
recommendation is that a paradigm shift is necessary.
"It is of economic importance that the situation be addressed or it will continue to impact on the economy. The business council should be an equal partner with the government and
NGOs for long term economic improvement and development in order to reduce HIV/AIDS and its effect on productivity.”
Persistent myths
Persistent myths and misperceptions surrounds HIV/AIDS since there is little public dialogue or even acknowledgement in the public and private sector that the epidemic is a growing
concern to the nation.
The Ministry of Health report conducted by Dr. Peter Figueroa shows that since 1990, HIV prevalence in Jamaica has seen a steady increase, faster among women than men with
heterosexual sex being the most common means of transmission.
Data also support the belief that there is considerable under reporting of HIV infection and AIDS cases making the magnitude of the situation unclear.
Several key socio-cultural, economic and behavioural factors drive the spread of the epidemic including the prevalent stigma that undermines prevention, care and treatment efforts;
pervasive homophobia impedes access to HIV information; poverty increases people’s vulnerability to HIV infection and drives the epidemic and is the outcome of it.
There is a general lack of perception of personal risk among the young engaging in sexual congress for the first time worsened by engagement with multiple sexual partners. Other
social risk factors include gender inequity, unstable family structures and commercial sex work.
Dr. Cesar Simich, Managing Director of Merck Sharp & Dohme in his address said that his company is widely recognised as having one of the world’s most comprehensive and far
reaching HIV in the workplace company policies, covering all of Merck’s 60,000 employees, dependents, retirees and others.
Their policy addresses not only HIV but also malaria and tuberculosis while emphasizing non-discrimination, confidentiality and accommodation.
“We understand that a healthy, well-informed workforce will help contribute to the long-term prosperity of any company, any country such as here in Jamaica. The work being launched
here is truly an investment in the future of business in Jamaica. We understand that no one country, no one government, no one Minister of Health, no one community can tackle this
epidemic alone.
“In terms of access, one of the components is certainly drug affordability. Five years ago MSD announced a multi-tier pricing scheme in which we provided countries most affected by
the pandemic and least able to afford it with our HIV medicines at prices at which our company made no profit.
"Just last week, Merck announced another in a series of price reductions because of manufacturing efficiencies that we were able to pass onto patients and purchasers. Today over 70
countries around the world, including Jamaica, benefit from these prices.”
money dealing with the issue in an ad hoc manner.
“Inefficient management hurts your bottom line. In Jamaica some 70 percent of persons do not know their status. Offering HIV testing to employees and applicants forces people to
take responsibility for themselves but using HIV screening to exclude applicants will only increase stigma and fear and feed the epidemic.
"HIV does not stop at the company doors or factory gates so confidentiality policies must signal a friendly work environment and is a most cost effective measure. Our strongest
recommendation is that a paradigm shift is necessary.
"It is of economic importance that the situation be addressed or it will continue to impact on the economy. The business council should be an equal partner with the government and
NGOs for long term economic improvement and development in order to reduce HIV/AIDS and its effect on productivity.”
Persistent myths
Persistent myths and misperceptions surrounds HIV/AIDS since there is little public dialogue or even acknowledgement in the public and private sector that the epidemic is a growing
concern to the nation.
The Ministry of Health report conducted by Dr. Peter Figueroa shows that since 1990, HIV prevalence in Jamaica has seen a steady increase, faster among women than men with
heterosexual sex being the most common means of transmission.
Data also support the belief that there is considerable under reporting of HIV infection and AIDS cases making the magnitude of the situation unclear.
Several key socio-cultural, economic and behavioural factors drive the spread of the epidemic including the prevalent stigma that undermines prevention, care and treatment efforts;
pervasive homophobia impedes access to HIV information; poverty increases people’s vulnerability to HIV infection and drives the epidemic and is the outcome of it.
There is a general lack of perception of personal risk among the young engaging in sexual congress for the first time worsened by engagement with multiple sexual partners. Other
social risk factors include gender inequity, unstable family structures and commercial sex work.
Dr. Cesar Simich, Managing Director of Merck Sharp & Dohme in his address said that his company is widely recognised as having one of the world’s most comprehensive and far
reaching HIV in the workplace company policies, covering all of Merck’s 60,000 employees, dependents, retirees and others.
Their policy addresses not only HIV but also malaria and tuberculosis while emphasizing non-discrimination, confidentiality and accommodation.
“We understand that a healthy, well-informed workforce will help contribute to the long-term prosperity of any company, any country such as here in Jamaica. The work being launched
here is truly an investment in the future of business in Jamaica. We understand that no one country, no one government, no one Minister of Health, no one community can tackle this
epidemic alone.
“In terms of access, one of the components is certainly drug affordability. Five years ago MSD announced a multi-tier pricing scheme in which we provided countries most affected by
the pandemic and least able to afford it with our HIV medicines at prices at which our company made no profit.
"Just last week, Merck announced another in a series of price reductions because of manufacturing efficiencies that we were able to pass onto patients and purchasers. Today over 70
countries around the world, including Jamaica, benefit from these prices.”
Page 1
JAMAICA
RESPONSIBILITY
PROJECT