New HIV programme to show 'U.N Cares'

With the launch of the new workplace related HIVdefine programme, called UN Cares, by the United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon, a positive step has been taken towards addressing workplace related problems and stigmas faced by employees suffering from HIV

The programme aims at providing training, testing and counseling to employees and their families at the U.N, to deal with this ever growing disease and it’s after effects. The programme would aim to meet 10 standards by the end of the year 2011, insurance coverage for employees and condom access being part of these.

"Since the early 1990s, the impact of the virus on our work and on the communities we serve has been historic in magnitude," Ban said, adding, "At the same time, our workplace, our staff and our families are profoundly affected." According to Ban, the launch of U.N. Cares represents a "milestone in the U.N. response to HIVdefine."

The U.N plans to help their staff get the maximum out of the programme by providing them more staff time and resources too. U.N. Cares will work in conjunction with the organization's advocacy and support network for HIV-positive employees.

The programme has won support from 15 U.N. bodies to date, which have pledged about $1.3 million to U.N. Cares. The U.N. Secretariat also is going to provide about $350,000 as part of an initial contribution.

The secretary General also said that he would make the United Nations a model workplace in its response to HIV/AIDS, adding that the organization's "performance will be only as good as the commitment and contribution of every one of us." In addition, Ban called on U.N. staff to learn essential information about HIV, take measures to protect themselves from contracting the virus and participate in U.N. Cares programs.