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Country Brief
Read SMARTWork's Assessment of HIV/AIDS prevention in Haiti, and recommendations for addressing the epidemic.
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Haiti
HIV/AIDS in Haiti
SMARTWork/Haiti
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HIV/AIDS in Haiti
According to the United Nations, as of 2001, Haiti had the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, and is experiencing the most profound HIV/AIDS epidemic outside the African continent. Significant facts include:
- An estimated 85% of the Caribbean's almost half a million HIV/AIDS cases are found in the Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
- In 2001, the adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate was around 6%; in some cities, it may be as high as 9%. AIDS is the leading cause of death both nationally and for women of childbearing age.
- At least 250,000 adults and children are living with HIV/AIDS in Haiti. Most are in their most economically productive years; 96% of cases are among those aged 15-49.
- Low educational levels, widespread and extreme poverty, a weak economic situation, and poorly functioning public health services are all catalysts for the spread of HIV/AIDS within Haiti. Sexual factors such as early sexual initiation, low condom use, rigid gender roles, and multiple sexual partners compound the problem.
In the wake of the political and economic turmoil that has long affected Haiti, the HIV/AIDS epidemic presents a new threat to the country's stability. Without concerted efforts, Haiti is likely to suffer from the devastating effects already experienced by African nations such as Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Recent political stability brings new opportunities to respond to HIV/AIDS aggressively and effectively.
While Haiti has no national HIV/AIDS law, the government has recently taken bold steps to address the crisis by drafting a new national Labor Code and creating the first National Strategic Plan to address HIV/AIDS. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Public Health and Population have been key stakeholders in creating the National Strategic Plan. The process gathered feedback from international groups, local governments, unions, women's groups, and AIDS service organizations. One of the plan's goals is for 50% of employers to have implemented non-discrimination regulations and practices for workers living with HIV/AIDS by 2006.
The Haitian business association has drafted a new Code of Ethics, which includes principles of non-discrimination and addresses stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. While the code does not offer specific job protection for symptomatic employees (any employee who is absent from work for more than three months for any reason may be fired), it represents an important improvement for Haitian workers.
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SMARTWork/Haiti
The program, implemented by the Academy for Educational Development with funding provided by the United States Department of Labor, was established in Petion-Ville, Haiti in June 2002. Already, SMARTWork/Haiti has:
- Created a Tripartite Advisory Board including representatives from industrial firms, two major unions, the Ministry of Labor, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Partnered with Population Services International to provide reproductive health services to SMARTWork's company partners.
- Partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Programme to create linkages among organizations working on HIV/AIDS.
- Completed a country profile and needs assessment that pinpoint areas where issues around HIV/AIDS can be affected.
- Held a workshop attended by USAID's mission director, chief executives from several participating companies, staff from nine companies, and representatives from the national Office of Population, Health, Nutrition and Education. The US Ambassador attended the closing ceremonies. All participants are beginning to work on implementing HIV/AIDS programs and policies.
- Provided training, workshops, technical assistance, and information to multiple businesses, unions, and NGOs on establishing effective workplace HIV/AIDS prevention programs and policies. Several companies are drafting and implementing such policies for the first time.
In the future, SMARTWork/Haiti will:
- Advocate for the renewal of the workers' advocacy commission, the Tripartite Commission for Consultation and Arbitration, and for an expanded mandate that includes HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support.
- Provide training, technical assistance, and other services to ministries, industry sectors, and NGOs to aid in the implementation of the National Strategic Plan.
- Evaluate available HIV/AIDS materials and ensure that high-quality materials are available at workplaces and other locations.
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Resources
For more information on HIV/AIDS in Haiti, click here to access the UNAIDS 2004 Haiti Epidemiological Fact Sheet.
For more information on SMARTWork/Haiti, contact:
Ms. Gessy Aubry, Program Manager
SMARTWork/Haiti
77 rue Lambert
Petion-Ville
Haiti
Tel: 509-257-8515
Fax: 509-256-3370
gaubry@aed.org
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