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20.05.2009 Health

More equal gender relations is vital to successful prevention of HIV/AIDS

20.05.2009 LISTEN
By GNA

Wa, May 19, GNA – Madam Helena Awurusa, Gender Coordinator of “Education for All and AIDS (EFAIDS) Project” of GNAT, has observed that more equal gender relations and empowerment of women are vital to successfully preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS infection and enabling women to cope with the disease.

She said the gender dimensions of HIV/AIDS ought to be appreciated owing to the different biological make up of men and women, as well as socio-economic and cultural reasons.

Madam Awurusa was addressing female teachers of Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) at an HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy workshop in Wa on Monday.

She said in consonance with the spirit of decent work and respect for human rights and dignity of persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, there should be no discrimination against workers on the basis of a real or perceived HIV/AIDS status.

“Discrimination and stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS retard efforts of promoting HIV/AIDS prevention,” Madam Awurusa said.

Madam Awurusa said HIV infection should not be the basis for the termination of employment, explaining that persons with HIV related illness should be able to work as long as they were medically fit and available for appropriate work.

She said people applying for employment as teachers should not be subjected to HIV/AIDS screening, and called for the establishment of a “special fund” to cater for economic and social needs of persons living with the disease.

“There is no justification for asking job applicants or workers to disclose HIV-related personal information. Similarly, co-workers should not be obliged to reveal such personal information about fellow workers,” Madam Awurusa added.

Madam Awurusa called on the National Executive of GNAT to negotiate with Ghana Education Service (GES) to mainstream HIV/AIDS into conditions of service framework.

It should also integrate Behavioural Change Communication as well as occupational health and safety information into existing education and human resource programmes.

Madam Awurusa urged them to establish voluntary counselling centres in all the regions for members to have access to testing and counselling to know their HIV/AIDS status.

She called on the teachers to endeavour to undergo voluntary counselling and testing and avoid acts that would lead them to acquire the disease.

GNA

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