AEGiS-ST: Let's get the drugs roll-out moving faster, says Cosatu: Survey: SA Business Coalition on HIV/Aids

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Let's get the drugs roll-out moving faster, says Cosatu: Survey: SA Business Coalition on HIV/Aids

Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - August 17, 2003

Union federation Cosatu is to demand that business and the government work with it to facilitate the immediate roll-out of drugs to workers infected with HIV.

The organisation said it was delighted with the government's decision to provide the drugs, but said it did not want any delays.

Cosatu intended to take up a range of issues with business in future negotiations on behalf of HIV-infected workers, focusing on the need for medical schemes and insurance.

Said Jacqueline Mpolokeng, the organisation's HIV/Aids co-ordinator: "Until now, many companies have been hiding behind the government and using the excuse that the cost of medical aid is too high. We are hoping big business will influence all employers to see the need for HIV/Aids programmes and to provide antiretroviral drugs.

"We look forward to the business/worker agreement in the National Economic Development and Labour Council Code of Practice that is soon to be signed by the government and business.

"The agreement must include the provision of antiretroviral drugs and open disclosure by companies of how they intend to distribute these. It should also include voluntary testing and counselling with no discrimination against HIV-positive workers.

"We support disclosure by HIV-positive workers so that we can get on with the job of providing support, while at the same time honouring individuals' choice regarding disclosure.

"There are many unanswered questions at this stage. For example, how does management provide alternative jobs if ill workers are very weak?

"There have to be mechanisms in place that provide safety, privacy, security, and ensure that jobs are protected."

Mpolokeng said unions supported the focus business was placing on the care of orphans and the development of hospices.

She said Cosatu wanted to see retirement funds providing for Aids orphans' futures. HIV-positive children should be placed in orphanages. Mpolokeng said there was concern about hospitals that made demands on the estates of dead people.

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