Development and implementation of HIV and AIDS workplace policies: A study of Stop AIDS Now (SAN!) Project-partner organisations in Uganda

Abstract

This study presents findings from the development and implementation of HIV and AIDS workplace policies (WPP); a study of SAN! Project partner organizations in Uganda. The study objectives were to find out facilitating or inhibiting factors in the development and implementation of WPP and best practices employed by organizations in developing and implementing their WPP. The workplace, being part of the local community has a role to play in the wider struggles to limit the spread and effects of the epidemic. To organizations, the costs of doing nothing about HIV/AIDS at the workplace are hard to ignore in terms of staff absenteeism, expenses for healthcare, funerals and replacement recruitment expenses. The study used survey, key informative interviews and case studies. The study findings show that organizations recognize HIV and AIDS as a workplace issue and this prompted them to develop and implement WPP. The study realized that this process of WPP development and implementation had some hindrances as well as facilitating factors. Key facilitating factors were involvement of top management staff and the participation by all. Implementing less costly activities first was a key best practice that the study found out. Care and support is by far the one of the key components that every workplace program on HIV and AIDS should aim to address with top priority as it provides support to those who need it most especially the less financially privileged who tend to be the majority in all workplaces