Praxis Note 21. Addressing Stigma in Implementing HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy

Unless stigma is addressed, effective implementation of an HIV/AIDS policy is impossible. This paper describes the experience of ACORD Uganda in their efforts to implement an effective workplace policy. It focuses in particular on the importance of addressing stigma within the organisation – both as an objective of the policy itself and as a pre-requisite of its effective implementation.

The paper begins by outlining the rationale driving the policy development process. It then goes on to examine some of the key challenges that arose during this process and strategies developed for addressing them. A survey of staff views and attitudes carried out in the early stages of this process helped to bring to light the problem of stigma. These findings were used to inform the policy approach and implementation strategy, resulting in improved take-up of the services and benefits on offer by staff.