Five year HIV, AIDS strategy launched

The Public Service Commission and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have launched a five year HIV and AIDS implementation strategy in Harare.

The development will see government workers receiving more information and programmes about the pandemic.

The implementation strategy was crafted to ensure a supportive environment at all levels in the public service and to guide the HIV and AIDS workplace response.

Health Advisor to the President, Dr Timothy Stamps, who was guest of honour at the event, said HIV and AIDS should also be tackled from the workplace, adding that the public service plays a central role in the multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS in reducing stigma, promoting prevention and in providing access to treatment.

Public Service Commissioner, Dr Elizabeth Xaba said civil servants spend most of their time at work and therefore miss out on critical information on HIV prevention, such as circumcision.

In 1999, government launched the National HIV and AIDS Policy and in line with that policy, the Public Service HIV and AIDS Implementation Strategy was developed in 2005.

This was then followed by the 2011-2015 Implementation Strategy which was produced in line with the recommendation (200 of 2010) and the Zimbabwe National Strategy Plan (ZNSP 11).