Washington, D.C.
July 12, 2006 (PAHO)

(PAHO Press Release) - Dr. Mirta Roses, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), today launched a new Human Resources Policy on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace, saying "We will do a better job of responding to HIV in the organization."

The policy, for PAHO personnel in its Washington headquarters and country offices and centers, "recognizes that HIV infection and AIDS constitute a workplace issue. As such, they should be treated like any other serious illness or condition affecting personnel and/or their spouses and dependents."

Dr. Roses said "We want to become a role model for other organizations. We must be a leader in implementing this policy in the workplace." HIV/AIDS, she said, "is a major challenge for many workplaces, and a corporate concern that impacts on many aspects such as job retention, productivity, absenteeism, interpersonal relations particularly produced by the fear of stigmatization and isolation, and others."

The policy ensures confidentiality on HIV/AIDS status, provides information and support for staff, makes voluntary testing and counseling available, and notes that "HIV infection or AIDS will not be considered as a basis for termination of employment." It also says existing health insurance coverage and premiums for PAHO staff will not be affected by HIV status, and that PAHO personnel in all offices and centers will have access to condoms. A workshop on homophobia is also planned this year, Dr. Roses said.

The policy was launched at a ceremony in PAHO headquarters, with support from other UN organizations in Washington and the Whitman-Walker Clinic, which has been working in collaboration with the District of Columbia government and provided a mobile unit, or van, called "Salvando Vidas" for rapid HIV testing using a mouth swab.

PAHO, which works to improve health and raise living standards in all the countries of the Americas, also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization.