HIV/AIDS Policy and Programme Development in the Workplace

(Capacity Building Course)

1. Introduction

HIV/AIDS continues to impact individuals and productivity in the workplace. An effective workplace policy ensures the rights of employees living with or affected by HIV are protected while promoting education, prevention, and care. This training course equips participants with the tools and strategies needed to develop, implement, and manage comprehensive workplace HIV/AIDS programs and policies in alignment with national and international labor standards.

 

2. Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace
• Develop and implement workplace HIV/AIDS policies aligned with national laws and ILO guidelines
• Promote prevention, awareness, and education within the workplace
• Integrate HIV services such as testing, counselling, and treatment referrals into organizational health programs
• Build inclusive workplace environments free from stigma and discrimination
• Monitor and evaluate HIV/AIDS workplace programs effectively

 

3. Targeted Group

This course is suitable for:

• Human resource managers
• Occupational health and safety officers
• Workplace health coordinators
• Trade union leaders and members
• Employee wellness coordinators
• NGO and private sector health partners
• HIV/AIDS focal points in ministries and corporations
• Employers and business owners

 

4. Course Duration

• Total Duration: 4 weeks (64 contact hours)
• Schedule: 4 sessions per week × 4 hours
• Delivery Mode: In-person / Online / Hybrid
• Methodology: Case studies, role-playing, policy analysis, group work, and presentations

 

5. Course Content

Module 1: Overview of HIV/AIDS in the Workplace

• The business and human rights case for workplace responses
• Current data and trends

Module 2: National and International Frameworks

• National HIV/AIDS workplace policies
• ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work

Module 3: Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Rights and responsibilities of employers and employees
• Confidentiality, consent, and legal compliance

Module 4: Elements of an Effective Workplace HIV Policy

• Policy content and structure
• Inclusion of prevention, care, and support

Module 5: Engaging Stakeholders and Gaining Buy-in

• Role of management, staff, and unions
• Building consensus and support

Module 6: HIV Prevention Strategies in the Workplace

• Awareness, behavior change, condom promotion
• Peer education programs

Module 7: Access to Testing and Counselling Services

• Linking workplaces to HIV testing services
• Ensuring voluntary and confidential testing

Module 8: Care, Support and Treatment Referrals

• Supporting ART adherence and health referrals
• Workplace-based health promotion

Module 9: Addressing Stigma and Discrimination at Work

• Strategies to create supportive environments
• Legal redress and grievance mechanisms

Module 10: Gender and HIV in the Workplace

• Addressing gender-based vulnerability
• Maternity protection and support for caregivers

Module 11: HIV and Occupational Health and Safety

• Infection control, first aid, and universal precautions
• Safety policies for at-risk job categories

Module 12: HIV and Employment Practices

• Recruitment, training, promotion, and termination policies
• Non-discrimination and equal opportunity practices

Module 13: Monitoring and Evaluation of HIV Workplace Programs

• Indicators, tools, and reporting
• Using M&E for program improvement

Module 14: Budgeting and Resource Mobilization

• Costing workplace programs
• Public-private partnerships and funding sources

Module 15: Case Studies and Best Practices

• Regional and international workplace program models
• Lessons learned from corporate and public sector experiences

Module 16: Capstone Project – Drafting a Workplace HIV/AIDS Policy

• Develop and present a tailored workplace HIV/AIDS policy
• Peer review and expert feedback

 

6. Expected Outcomes

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Design a workplace HIV/AIDS policy aligned with national and international guidelines
• Integrate gender-sensitive and rights-based approaches into workplace programs
• Coordinate HIV/AIDS awareness and education programs
• Support access to HIV services while upholding confidentiality and legal standards
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of workplace HIV programs
• Build workplace cultures that reduce stigma and promote inclusion

 

7. Certification

Certificate of Completion

Granted to participants who:

• Attend a minimum of 85% of sessions
• Participate in discussions, group work, and assignments

Certificate of Competence in HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme Development

Awarded to participants who:

• Successfully complete and present a workplace HIV/AIDS policy
• Pass a final assessment (written or practical)
• Demonstrate understanding of core concepts and application

Certificates may be co-issued with national AIDS control bodies, ministries of labor or health, ILO offices, or accredited training institutions.