TPDCo TO IMPLEMENT HIV/AIDS PROGRAMME FOR TOURISM

The threat of the HIV/AIDS epidemic presents a formidable challenge to local and international tourism. HIV/AIDS has become one of the most devastating diseases in history. Added to the human tragedy is the economic threat to Caribbean nations most of which rely solely on tourism.

One of the most popular tourism destinations, with over 20 million visitors annually, the Caribbean records the second-highest incidence of HIV/AIDS in the world. UNAIDS estimates there were 420,000 HIV positive persons in the region in 2002. HIV/AIDS is now the leading cause of death in several countries and young people – the majority of them young women are in the high-risk group.

In Jamaica, some 22,000 people are reported infected by the disease, since it was first detected in 1982.A report from the Ministry of Health reveals:

• An estimated 1.5 % of Jamaica's adult population lives with HIV/AIDS.

• The numbers continue to increase island wide, with the parishes of St. James and Kingston and St. Andrew, being the most seriously affected.

• The number of reported AIDS cases in Jamaica from January to December 2004 was 1,112 (603 males and 509 females).

• The rate of Reported AIDS cases in Jamaica showed a 3.9% increase in 2004 compared to the same period in 2003.

• In 2004 every week 13 persons died of AIDS in Jamaica.

http://www.jis.gov.jm/special_sections/aids/AIDSDATAJUNE2004.pdf

www.moh.gov.jm

HIV/AIDS and Tourism

The cases of HIV infection continue to rise in Jamaica especially in the resort areas.

Increased tourist demand for adventure and romance is evident in the continuing trend of sexual interactions between visitors and host populations. Vacationers in a state of relaxation sometimes participate in risky activity resulting in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Locals as well as commercial sex workers target the industry for economic gain and it is this intermingling that transports diseases back into communities.

Of particular concern, therefore, is the HIV/AIDS epidemic potential of this interaction and its negative impact, not only on the tourism industry but also on public health and the national economy.

A 1999 Study of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre and the University of the West Indies estimates that Jamaica’s Gross Domestic Product could drop by as much as 6.4% if the current prevailing rate of HIV infections is not addressed.

Realizing the extent of this problem, industry planners have been finding ways of dealing with and controlling the spread of AIDS.

THE AIM OF THE HIV/AIDS POLICY

TPDCo, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health has drafted an HIV/AIDS Policy for Tourism in its bid to promote healthy tourism to safeguard Jamaicans and the industry.

The policy aims to:

• Prevent the transmission of HIV
• Manage and lessen the impact of HIV/AIDS on the worksites within the tourism industry
• Provide treatment, care and support of workers in the sector infected and affected by HIV/AIDS
• Help eliminate the stigma and discrimination towards any workers living with HIV/AIDS

The policy will:

• Set standards of acceptable behaviour for all employees concerning HIV/AIDS- related issues.
• Establish consistency within the company and compliance with local and international laws concerning HIV/AIDS
• Inform management and all employees where they can go for assistance and information about AIDS
• Instruct management/supervisors on how to manage HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

Hotel workers participating in a condom demonstration

The Product Quality Department of TPDCo has been sensitizing industry workers through a series of workshops conducted across the island. Over 600 hotel workers, taxi operators, craft vendors and water sport operators have so far been exposed to the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

Installation of condom dispensing machines is an ongoing process. Units have been placed in strategic locations in hotels in Montego Bay, Kingston and Ocho Rios.

Training tapes are also being distributed throughout the sector.

AT THE WORKPLACE

HOW TO DEAL WITH HIV/AIDS----INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION

The International Labour Organisation has provided a number of conventions and recommendations setting minimum standards of basic labour rights, among them, equality of opportunity and treatment of persons with regards to the AIDS epidemic.

Here are 10 key principles to guide employers and employees in the management of HIV/AIDS at the workplace.

• Recognition of HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue
• Non-Discrimination
• Gender Equality
• Healthy work environment
• Social dialogue
• Non-screening for purposes of exclusion from work or work processes
• Confidentiality
• Continuation of employment relationship
• Prevention
• Care and support

The ILO is an agency of the United Nations that promotes social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights.