HIV/AIDS Work Place Programme

The HIV/AIDS work place programme was another joint initiative of the UN System in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, the country has the third highest number of people living with HIV in the world after South Africa and India. This work place programme originated after an assessment was made in early 2005 by the UN System on HIV/AIDS on behalf of the UNTG Group. The findings of the survey revealed that staff do not feel comfortable about being open with respect to HIV/AIDS status, that nearly 50% of UN staff in Nigeria have conducted an HIV test and those who have not felt they did not want due to stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. Moreover, most staff said that they are not worried about dependents contracting HIV and more than 96% of them indicated they would avail themselves of any planned in-house workplace HIV/AIDS services.
Based on those results, all Heads of Agencies came to the conclusion that an inter-agency collaborative effort to develop a common work place programme on HIV/AIDS was necessary.

The Resident Coordinator offered strong support and leadership from the outset and the whole of UN System in Nigeria has been involved in some way in the development of the common programme on HIV/AIDS. The UNCT endorsed the programme and undertook activities and responsibilities. HIV/AIDS focal points were appointed in each agency and there was regular participation in the design of the work place programme. The staff association FUNSAN was consulted and the beneficiaries were the UN staff along with their families. The WHO chaired the programme while UNDP provided technical assistance for the planning meeting through a guest from its South Africa's office. The planning for the Condom education received technical input from UNFPA. While the UN Learning Advisor provided constructive and highly valued inputs on the programme framework. The UN physician and pharmacy also played a key role in the implementation of the programme.
As a result, a Peer education programme structure was designed and adapted led by UNICEF. Structures mechanisms and plans for Condom/Femidom education and distribution were put in place through an innovative Programme designed by the UNLT and shared and supported by UNFPA. Structures were established for each floor and wing/agency. Terms of Reference were developed for the Condom Focal Points and their supervisors. The UNCT has taken the responsibility to ensure the protection of staff and families.