HIV/AIDS policies in the workplace in Namibia

Abstract

The business world is increasingly being affected by HIV/AIDS and companies are expected to develop workplace policies that create enabling environments. This requires commitment from companies to engage employees when developing workplace policies and interventions. The purpose of this study was to compare HIV/AIDS workplace policies of insurance companies in Windhoek and determine their compliance with the 2001 ILO Code of Practice in the World of Work.The study used a quantitative approach and data was collected from two life insurance companies in Windhoek with HIV/AIDS Workplace policies in place during the period of the study. Findings of the study indicate that the majority of respondents from both companies are aware that management supported the policy development process. In regard to policy contents, both companies comply with the Code’s key principles and indicated that there is no discrimination of employees infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. However, some components such as involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS, education and awareness, monitoring and budget were not clearly evident. Thus recommendations were made on how such issues should be addressed.