Unions support HIV/AIDS work in PNG

Date: 21 May 2003

Union Aid Abroad has begun to work with trade unions in PNG on the growing problem of HIV/AIDS.

There are an estimated 10-25,000 cases of HIV in the country - more than 80% of cases in the South Pacific region. Minimal condom use, urban poverty and the very low status of women fuel the epidemic. The disease is surrounded by fear, stigma, shame and denial at all levels of society.

As in other parts of the developing world, HIV/AIDS particularly affects working adults, with the highest rates of infection among women aged 20-29 and men aged 30-49. It is therefore a critical issue for trade unions.

Union Aid Abroad is funding a Union HIV/AIDS educator to work with the PNG Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the PNG National AIDS Council to develop effective responses by unions in the workplace and among their members. In May 2003, the TUC organised an HIV/AIDS conference in Port Moresby attended by more than 80 union delegates. This was the first trade union activity focusing on HIV/AIDS and was an important step in advocating a union response. A second conference will be held in Lae in June for unions in the highlands and islands.

Union Aid Abroad Pacific Project Officer, Chris Chevalier, took part in the conference as a rapporteur and presented information on the lessons from HIV/AIDS with Unions from other parts of the world. Union representatives not only discovered facts and fictions (of which there are many) about the disease and its prevention but also specific issues related to the workplace and the OH&S context.

PNG Unions have now started the process of developing their own strategic plans. Fortunately there is funding available through an AusAID project for the conferences and follow up activities by the unions. Union Aid Abroad is acting as a catalyst to link funding sources with the PNG unions and the union movement through the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (IFBWW).

For further information

Contact:	Peter Jennings
Union:	APHEDA Union Aid Abroad
Phone:	02 9264 9343
Contact Mobile:	0409 047 353
Fax:	02 9261 1118
Email:	apheda@labor.net.au
WWW:	http://www.apheda.org.au

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