According to Mexico’s National HIV Program, there are an estimated 160,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Mexico. ARP’s HIV/AIDS in the Workplace 2004 Corporate Survey Report
for Mexico reported, “dramatic increases in HIV infection are often associated with economic growth and it’s associated migratory shifts in populations. With its geographic location as
an economic migration transit point between Latin America and the U.S., Mexico is uniquely vulnerable to the HIV/AIDS threat in the coming decades. (www.aidsresponsibility.org)
for Mexico reported, “dramatic increases in HIV infection are often associated with economic growth and it’s associated migratory shifts in populations. With its geographic location as
an economic migration transit point between Latin America and the U.S., Mexico is uniquely vulnerable to the HIV/AIDS threat in the coming decades. (www.aidsresponsibility.org)
ARP in Mexico
AIDS Responsibility Project (ARP) bridges the gaps between the public and private sectors responses to HIV/AIDS. During a congressional
staff CODEL to Mexico in 2004, ARP recognized the struggles, stigma and discrimination HIV positive employees faced in the workplace –
many of whom were terminated from their positions. This job loss caused a downward spiral in their lives as well as their families, which
would have been avoidable.
With seed funding from USAID, APR developed a business coalition with the largest employers in Mexico (mostly US companies) to reduce
stigma and discrimination in the workplace.FedEx, Ford, Xerox, Pfizer and Stendahl were the first to join the ARP business coalition named
CONAES. Other members include: 3M, Abbott Labs, American Express, Citibank, Bausch and Lomb, BD, BMS, Colgate-Palmolive, GSK,
IBM, Johnson & Johson, Ely Lilly, Merck, PepsiCo, Protor & Gamble, Schering-Plough, Unilever, Wyeth, Xerox, AON, Altana Pharma, DSM
and Janssen-Cilag. (www.conaes.com)
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. (www.weforum.
org/globalhealth)
"As the first business council on HIV/AIDS in Mexico, we are proud our organization has been recognized by the World Economic Forum
and pleased that we are providing companies in Mexico with a way to join the fight against HIV" said CONAES Chairman Luciano Zylberberg
of Bristol Myers Squib.CONAES, now self-sustaining, works with non-profits who are committed to the HIV issue and understand the issue in
the Mexican context. The non-profits implement HIV training/awareness that can be tailored to line workers or managers. They can also
work with employers to develop and implement a workplace policy. It is estimated that CONAES has reached 600,000 people.
AIDS Responsibility Project (ARP) bridges the gaps between the public and private sectors responses to HIV/AIDS. During a congressional
staff CODEL to Mexico in 2004, ARP recognized the struggles, stigma and discrimination HIV positive employees faced in the workplace –
many of whom were terminated from their positions. This job loss caused a downward spiral in their lives as well as their families, which
would have been avoidable.
With seed funding from USAID, APR developed a business coalition with the largest employers in Mexico (mostly US companies) to reduce
stigma and discrimination in the workplace.FedEx, Ford, Xerox, Pfizer and Stendahl were the first to join the ARP business coalition named
CONAES. Other members include: 3M, Abbott Labs, American Express, Citibank, Bausch and Lomb, BD, BMS, Colgate-Palmolive, GSK,
IBM, Johnson & Johson, Ely Lilly, Merck, PepsiCo, Protor & Gamble, Schering-Plough, Unilever, Wyeth, Xerox, AON, Altana Pharma, DSM
and Janssen-Cilag. (www.conaes.com)
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. (www.weforum.
org/globalhealth)
"As the first business council on HIV/AIDS in Mexico, we are proud our organization has been recognized by the World Economic Forum
and pleased that we are providing companies in Mexico with a way to join the fight against HIV" said CONAES Chairman Luciano Zylberberg
of Bristol Myers Squib.CONAES, now self-sustaining, works with non-profits who are committed to the HIV issue and understand the issue in
the Mexican context. The non-profits implement HIV training/awareness that can be tailored to line workers or managers. They can also
work with employers to develop and implement a workplace policy. It is estimated that CONAES has reached 600,000 people.
| (from left) ARP Executive Director Abner Mason, USAID Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Carribean Adolfo Franco, US Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza, Dr. Mora, and Jorge Saavedra, Director of CENSIDA, the Mexico National HIV/AIDS Program, at the lauch of CONAES, the Mexico Business Council on HIV/AIDS. |
AIDS
MEXICO
Study Shows Corporations in Mexico Make Strides In Dealing with HIV/AIDS in the Workplace
A recent survey of 20 corporations in Mexico strongly suggests that policies relative to HIV/AIDS in the workplace are moving forward.
The survey, financed in part by USAID and implemented by the AIDS Responsibility Project (ARP), attempted to determine the extent of HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in Mexico’s
corporate workplaces. Participation in the survey was voluntary.
Of the 20 U.S. corporations interviewed, seven had stand-alone policies addressing HIV/AIDS in the workplace, and five said they actually train managers on HIV/AIDS policies.
Other findings include:
· Eleven of the companies screen applicants for medical purposes and two said they screen specifically for HIV/AIDS;
· Two companies said they would decline to hire an applicant if s/he were to disclose an HIV-positive status, and none said it would terminate an employee who disclosed a positive
status;
· Eighteen companies said they have a policy of keeping confidential an employee’s positive status, and only one said it does not have a system in place for reporting violations of
such confidentiality;
· Sixteen companies said they offer health related materials, classes, and similar activities for employees’ families, and seven said these activities focus specifically on occupational
HIV/AIDS issues; and
· Eighteen companies said they participate in or encourage philanthropic activities, and six said these activities were specifically related to HIV/AIDS.
Adolfo Franco, assistant administrator of USAID and head of the Latin America and Caribbean bureau, said the study is a first step towards understanding and managing HIV/AIDS
stigmas in the workplace globally. “Preventing and controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS is a clear shared interest of the United States and Mexico,” he said at a recent meeting in Mexico
at which results of the survey were presented. “HIV, along with other infectious disease, do not respect borders, and this makes our bilateral cooperation on this issue a matter of
crucial importance…” Franco added, “Addressing workplace policies around HIV/AIDS – and the involvement of business in establishing fair and pro-active policies for employees – are
important first steps in confronting the stigma and discrimination that has manifested itself. Not only does this demonstrate good, responsible business practice, it is also good for
business.”
“Business has a vital role to play in addressing HIV/AIDS,” said Abner Mason, executive director of ARP. “This is because businesses, particularly those with operations in the hardest-
hit countries, recognize the profound impact of the epidemic on their workforce.”
The study is the first in ARP’s Stigma Reduction Program, which seeks to highlight the role that U.S. companies play in Latin America in the area of HIV/AIDS workplace policies. The
program is funded in part by USAID.
Mexico ranks third in the Americas (behind the U.S. and Brazil) in the number of HIV/AIDS cases reported to the World Health Organization. Its prevalence rate is about half of that in
the U.S. An estimated three out of every 1,000 Mexicans live with HIV (approximately 160,000), according to Mexico’s National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS.
ARP surveyed 20 U.S. employers in Mexico on their workplace policies and held in-depth interviews with top human resource personnel among participating companies.
http://www.usaid.gov/locations/latin_america_caribbean/country/mexico/mexico_hiv.html
A recent survey of 20 corporations in Mexico strongly suggests that policies relative to HIV/AIDS in the workplace are moving forward.
The survey, financed in part by USAID and implemented by the AIDS Responsibility Project (ARP), attempted to determine the extent of HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in Mexico’s
corporate workplaces. Participation in the survey was voluntary.
Of the 20 U.S. corporations interviewed, seven had stand-alone policies addressing HIV/AIDS in the workplace, and five said they actually train managers on HIV/AIDS policies.
Other findings include:
· Eleven of the companies screen applicants for medical purposes and two said they screen specifically for HIV/AIDS;
· Two companies said they would decline to hire an applicant if s/he were to disclose an HIV-positive status, and none said it would terminate an employee who disclosed a positive
status;
· Eighteen companies said they have a policy of keeping confidential an employee’s positive status, and only one said it does not have a system in place for reporting violations of
such confidentiality;
· Sixteen companies said they offer health related materials, classes, and similar activities for employees’ families, and seven said these activities focus specifically on occupational
HIV/AIDS issues; and
· Eighteen companies said they participate in or encourage philanthropic activities, and six said these activities were specifically related to HIV/AIDS.
Adolfo Franco, assistant administrator of USAID and head of the Latin America and Caribbean bureau, said the study is a first step towards understanding and managing HIV/AIDS
stigmas in the workplace globally. “Preventing and controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS is a clear shared interest of the United States and Mexico,” he said at a recent meeting in Mexico
at which results of the survey were presented. “HIV, along with other infectious disease, do not respect borders, and this makes our bilateral cooperation on this issue a matter of
crucial importance…” Franco added, “Addressing workplace policies around HIV/AIDS – and the involvement of business in establishing fair and pro-active policies for employees – are
important first steps in confronting the stigma and discrimination that has manifested itself. Not only does this demonstrate good, responsible business practice, it is also good for
business.”
“Business has a vital role to play in addressing HIV/AIDS,” said Abner Mason, executive director of ARP. “This is because businesses, particularly those with operations in the hardest-
hit countries, recognize the profound impact of the epidemic on their workforce.”
The study is the first in ARP’s Stigma Reduction Program, which seeks to highlight the role that U.S. companies play in Latin America in the area of HIV/AIDS workplace policies. The
program is funded in part by USAID.
Mexico ranks third in the Americas (behind the U.S. and Brazil) in the number of HIV/AIDS cases reported to the World Health Organization. Its prevalence rate is about half of that in
the U.S. An estimated three out of every 1,000 Mexicans live with HIV (approximately 160,000), according to Mexico’s National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS.
ARP surveyed 20 U.S. employers in Mexico on their workplace policies and held in-depth interviews with top human resource personnel among participating companies.
http://www.usaid.gov/locations/latin_america_caribbean/country/mexico/mexico_hiv.html
Page 1
| (from left) Attending ARP's launch of CONAES are former Deputy Secretary of Health for Mexico and current Director General of the Carso Health Institute Dr. Roberto Tapia, ARP Executive Director Abner Mason, Merck representative Belen Espino de Lira, US Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza, and former Secretary of Health for Mexico and current Dean of the School of Public Health at Harvard University Julio Frenk. |
HIV/AIDS IN THE WORKPLACE: 2004 Corporate Survey Report For Mexico
AIDS Responsibility Project |Stigma Reduction Program
Written by Kevin Ivers and translated by Yuria Rogas
AIDS Responsibility Project |Stigma Reduction Program
Written by Kevin Ivers and translated by Yuria Rogas
Foreword by ARP Executive Director Abner Mason
The United States of America has made the global fight against HIV/AIDS a major foreign policy priority.Americans continue to show
leadership on this crucial issue wherever they live and work around the world.The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief,focusing on
the most affected countries of the world,is a prime example of U.S.commitment and leadership on this issue.
Business has a vital role to play in addressing HIV/AIDS.In part,this is because businesses,particularly those with operations in the
hardest-hit countries,
recognize the profound impact of the epidemic on their workforce.But,just as importantly,many firms -including those in countries where
HIV/AIDS has not yet strongly taken hold -recognize the challenge posed by HIV/AIDS and have moved to the fore as global citizens and
leaders by developing HIV/AIDS workplace policies and programs and addressing the stigma of HIV/AIDS within their corporate cultures.
The ARP Stigma Reduction Program and the 2004 Corporate Survey,focusing on stigma and discrimination in the workplace,is an important
part of these efforts. As one part of a broad partnership between the U.S.and Mexico in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic,those in the
business community to take a leadership role in making vital contributions are to be commended and encouraged to continue developing
new and innovative responses to the threat that HIV/AIDS poses to the global community.
To view full report click on link: 2004 Corporate Survey Report For Mexico English
2004 Corporate Survey Report For Mexico Spanish
The United States of America has made the global fight against HIV/AIDS a major foreign policy priority.Americans continue to show
leadership on this crucial issue wherever they live and work around the world.The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief,focusing on
the most affected countries of the world,is a prime example of U.S.commitment and leadership on this issue.
Business has a vital role to play in addressing HIV/AIDS.In part,this is because businesses,particularly those with operations in the
hardest-hit countries,
recognize the profound impact of the epidemic on their workforce.But,just as importantly,many firms -including those in countries where
HIV/AIDS has not yet strongly taken hold -recognize the challenge posed by HIV/AIDS and have moved to the fore as global citizens and
leaders by developing HIV/AIDS workplace policies and programs and addressing the stigma of HIV/AIDS within their corporate cultures.
The ARP Stigma Reduction Program and the 2004 Corporate Survey,focusing on stigma and discrimination in the workplace,is an important
part of these efforts. As one part of a broad partnership between the U.S.and Mexico in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic,those in the
business community to take a leadership role in making vital contributions are to be commended and encouraged to continue developing
new and innovative responses to the threat that HIV/AIDS poses to the global community.
To view full report click on link: 2004 Corporate Survey Report For Mexico English
2004 Corporate Survey Report For Mexico Spanish
RESPONSIBILITY
PROJECT
Looking for curb AIDS discrimination
México, DF / EntreTodos.com.mx Mexico City / EntreTodos.com.mx
2008-08-04 2008-08-04
Representantes de unas 30 empresas transnacionales instaladas en México y pertenecientes a la Conaes (Consejo Nacional Empresarial sobre Sida) refrendaron su labor de lucha
contra el VIH para evitar el estigma y la discriminación de las personas que trabajan para ellos. Representatives of some 30 companies located in Mexico and outside the Conaes
(National Business Council on AIDS) endorsed its efforts to combat HIV to reduce stigma and discrimination against people who work for them.
En una conferencia de prensa, el director ejecutivo del proyecto "Promoviendo la responsabilidad acerca del Sida" (ARP por sus siglas en inglés), Abner Mason, señaló que el
encuentro es una oportunidad para celebrar la decisión de las empresas de atender el problema del sida, que afecta a la población trabajadora porque. At a press conference, the
executive director of the project "Promoting accountability on AIDS" (ARP for short), Abner Mason, said that the meeting is an opportunity to celebrate the decision of companies to
address the problem of AIDS, which affects the working population because.
Resaltó el papel de las empresas ya que, dijo, pudieron haber dicho que no es su problema o pretender que no existía y en cambio tomaron el papel de liderazgo, logrando hacer
una diferencia. Highlighted the role of business because, he said, could have said that it is not their problem or pretend that did not exist and instead took the leadership role, making
a difference.
En su oportunidad, el director del Centro Nacional para la Prevención y el Control del VIH/Sida (Censida), Jorge Saavedra, alabó la decisión de ARP de introducir aspectos de
información y educación para los obreros que laboran en las empresas, así como la eliminación de pruebas obligatorias de VIH para quienes quieran obtener un empleo. In time, the
director of the National Center for Prevention and Control of HIV / AIDS (Census), Jorge Saavedra, praised the decision to introduce aspects of ARP information and education for
workers who work in companies, as well as elimination of mandatory HIV testing for those who want to get a job.
"Los buenos ejemplos provistos por compañías que son realmente líderes en su campo, son siempre oportunidades de mostrar no sólo a otras compañías sino también a las
instituciones públicas en cómo se pueden introducir mejores prácticas en beneficio de sus trabajadores. "The examples provided by companies that are truly leaders in their field, are
always opportunities to showcase not only companies but also to other public institutions on how best practices can be introduced for the benefit of their workers.
"Hay ocasiones, como en este caso, en que las prácticas se introducen en las compañías e instituciones y después pueden servir de insumos para hacer reformas e introducir
nuevas políticas o cambios en las leyes", dijo Saavedra. "Sometimes, as in this case, in which practices are introduced in companies and institutions can then serve as inputs to make
reforms and introduce new policies or changes in law," said Saavedra.
Por su parte, Julio Frenk, director del Instituto Carso de Salud, señaló que el trabajo con la comunidad empresarial es vital y mencionó que México tomó desde el inicio de la epidemia
de VIH acciones decididas como la prohibición de la comercialización de sangre y las campañas de prevención sobre el uso de condón. For its part, Julio Frenk, director of the Carso
Health Institute, said that working with the business community is vital and he mentioned that Mexico took from the beginning of the HIV decisive action such as the prohibition of blood
and marketing campaigns prevention of the use of condoms.
"México fue estableciendo el beneficio que hoy, con el paso del tiempo, podemos calificar como una política de Estado, hemos tenido durante los 25 años de epidemia en México, un
cuarto de siglo, una continuidad extraordinaria en las políticas públicas que nos ha permitido llegar al momento actual siendo una isla en materia de la prevalencia en el VIH rodeado
de distintas regiones del mundo que tienen prevalencias mucho más altas", dijo. "Mexico was established that the benefit today, with the passage of time, we can describe as a state
policy, we have had over 25 years of the epidemic in Mexico, one quarter of a century, an extraordinary continuity in public policy that has allowed us to now get to be an island in
terms of HIV prevalence in different regions around the world with prevalence rates much higher, "he said.
Frenk reconoció que en México hay tres pilares en el combate al VIH y son la prevención, que dijo hay que mantener y fortalecer; la cobertura en acceso al tratamiento y el combate
al estigma; y finalmente la discriminación, mismos que operan de manera simultánea. Frenk in Mexico recognized that there are three pillars in the fight against HIV and prevention,
which he said needed to be maintained and strengthened; coverage access to treatment and combat the stigma and end discrimination, which operate simultaneously.
El ex Secretario de Salud se mostró complacido ante los resultados de un estudio realizado en Sudáfrica en donde se posiciona a México en segundo lugar mundial en cuanto al
tratamiento de las personas con VIH, pero triste, ante la encuesta realizada a estudiantes de bachillerato que revela que el 54 por ciento de los estudiantes no desea tener entre sus
compañeros a una persona con Sida. Former Secretary of Health is pleased with the results of a study in South Africa where it is positioned to Mexico in second place worldwide in the
treatment of people with HIV, but sad, the survey reveals that high school students that 54 percent of students do not want to have among its peers to a person with AIDS.
La Conaes trabaja con empresas como Fed Ex, Ford, Xerox, Pfizer y Stendhal, que fueron los primeros en unirse a la lucha contra la discriminación, además de 3M, American
Express, Colgate Palmolive, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Pepsico y Unilever, entre otras. The Conaes works with companies such as Fed Ex, Ford, Xerox, Pfizer, and Stendhal, who were
the first to join the fight against discrimination, as well as 3M, American Express, Colgate Palmolive, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo and Unilever, among others.
México, DF / EntreTodos.com.mx Mexico City / EntreTodos.com.mx
2008-08-04 2008-08-04
Representantes de unas 30 empresas transnacionales instaladas en México y pertenecientes a la Conaes (Consejo Nacional Empresarial sobre Sida) refrendaron su labor de lucha
contra el VIH para evitar el estigma y la discriminación de las personas que trabajan para ellos. Representatives of some 30 companies located in Mexico and outside the Conaes
(National Business Council on AIDS) endorsed its efforts to combat HIV to reduce stigma and discrimination against people who work for them.
En una conferencia de prensa, el director ejecutivo del proyecto "Promoviendo la responsabilidad acerca del Sida" (ARP por sus siglas en inglés), Abner Mason, señaló que el
encuentro es una oportunidad para celebrar la decisión de las empresas de atender el problema del sida, que afecta a la población trabajadora porque. At a press conference, the
executive director of the project "Promoting accountability on AIDS" (ARP for short), Abner Mason, said that the meeting is an opportunity to celebrate the decision of companies to
address the problem of AIDS, which affects the working population because.
Resaltó el papel de las empresas ya que, dijo, pudieron haber dicho que no es su problema o pretender que no existía y en cambio tomaron el papel de liderazgo, logrando hacer
una diferencia. Highlighted the role of business because, he said, could have said that it is not their problem or pretend that did not exist and instead took the leadership role, making
a difference.
En su oportunidad, el director del Centro Nacional para la Prevención y el Control del VIH/Sida (Censida), Jorge Saavedra, alabó la decisión de ARP de introducir aspectos de
información y educación para los obreros que laboran en las empresas, así como la eliminación de pruebas obligatorias de VIH para quienes quieran obtener un empleo. In time, the
director of the National Center for Prevention and Control of HIV / AIDS (Census), Jorge Saavedra, praised the decision to introduce aspects of ARP information and education for
workers who work in companies, as well as elimination of mandatory HIV testing for those who want to get a job.
"Los buenos ejemplos provistos por compañías que son realmente líderes en su campo, son siempre oportunidades de mostrar no sólo a otras compañías sino también a las
instituciones públicas en cómo se pueden introducir mejores prácticas en beneficio de sus trabajadores. "The examples provided by companies that are truly leaders in their field, are
always opportunities to showcase not only companies but also to other public institutions on how best practices can be introduced for the benefit of their workers.
"Hay ocasiones, como en este caso, en que las prácticas se introducen en las compañías e instituciones y después pueden servir de insumos para hacer reformas e introducir
nuevas políticas o cambios en las leyes", dijo Saavedra. "Sometimes, as in this case, in which practices are introduced in companies and institutions can then serve as inputs to make
reforms and introduce new policies or changes in law," said Saavedra.
Por su parte, Julio Frenk, director del Instituto Carso de Salud, señaló que el trabajo con la comunidad empresarial es vital y mencionó que México tomó desde el inicio de la epidemia
de VIH acciones decididas como la prohibición de la comercialización de sangre y las campañas de prevención sobre el uso de condón. For its part, Julio Frenk, director of the Carso
Health Institute, said that working with the business community is vital and he mentioned that Mexico took from the beginning of the HIV decisive action such as the prohibition of blood
and marketing campaigns prevention of the use of condoms.
"México fue estableciendo el beneficio que hoy, con el paso del tiempo, podemos calificar como una política de Estado, hemos tenido durante los 25 años de epidemia en México, un
cuarto de siglo, una continuidad extraordinaria en las políticas públicas que nos ha permitido llegar al momento actual siendo una isla en materia de la prevalencia en el VIH rodeado
de distintas regiones del mundo que tienen prevalencias mucho más altas", dijo. "Mexico was established that the benefit today, with the passage of time, we can describe as a state
policy, we have had over 25 years of the epidemic in Mexico, one quarter of a century, an extraordinary continuity in public policy that has allowed us to now get to be an island in
terms of HIV prevalence in different regions around the world with prevalence rates much higher, "he said.
Frenk reconoció que en México hay tres pilares en el combate al VIH y son la prevención, que dijo hay que mantener y fortalecer; la cobertura en acceso al tratamiento y el combate
al estigma; y finalmente la discriminación, mismos que operan de manera simultánea. Frenk in Mexico recognized that there are three pillars in the fight against HIV and prevention,
which he said needed to be maintained and strengthened; coverage access to treatment and combat the stigma and end discrimination, which operate simultaneously.
El ex Secretario de Salud se mostró complacido ante los resultados de un estudio realizado en Sudáfrica en donde se posiciona a México en segundo lugar mundial en cuanto al
tratamiento de las personas con VIH, pero triste, ante la encuesta realizada a estudiantes de bachillerato que revela que el 54 por ciento de los estudiantes no desea tener entre sus
compañeros a una persona con Sida. Former Secretary of Health is pleased with the results of a study in South Africa where it is positioned to Mexico in second place worldwide in the
treatment of people with HIV, but sad, the survey reveals that high school students that 54 percent of students do not want to have among its peers to a person with AIDS.
La Conaes trabaja con empresas como Fed Ex, Ford, Xerox, Pfizer y Stendhal, que fueron los primeros en unirse a la lucha contra la discriminación, además de 3M, American
Express, Colgate Palmolive, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Pepsico y Unilever, entre otras. The Conaes works with companies such as Fed Ex, Ford, Xerox, Pfizer, and Stendhal, who were
the first to join the fight against discrimination, as well as 3M, American Express, Colgate Palmolive, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo and Unilever, among others.