How stigma, discrimination against people affected by HIV on increase at workplaces

Although there are laws and policies which prohibit stigma and discrimination existence in the country, these unlawful practices still take place at the workplaces.

 

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines stigma as ‘the social mark that, when associated with a person, usually causes marginalisation or presents an obstacle to full enjoyment of social life by the person infected or affected by HIV. 

 

Speaking in an exclusive interview with this paper over the weekend, the International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s National Project Coordinator country office in Dar es Salaam Getrude Sima said according to a recent ILO study, stigmatisation at workplaces has increased significantly in the country.

 

Stigma and discrimination have been associated with HIV and Aids since it was first reported in Tanzania in 1986. But there has been insufficient information regarding stigma and discrimination of workers who are people living with HIV (PLHIV) at their workplaces. 

 

According to Sima, from March to May 2014 ILO worked with the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), the Zanzibar Ministry of Labour (MOL) and a team of consultants in order to undertake a small-scale and indicative study regarding the manifestation, magnitude and impact of HIV-related stigma and discrimination at selected formal sector workplaces in the country. Read more