Dispel the Myths and Embrace the

Truth about HIV and AIDS

NATIONAL INSURANCE
SERVICES
Prepared by Mineva C.
Glasgow

Table of Contents

Pg. No.
Introduction 2
Chapter 1: HIV and AIDS 3-13
Chapter 2: HIV and AIDS- A workplace issue
14-24
1|46
 Introduction

The material in this book

was gleaned during a two
weeks workshop conducted 2|46

by the ILO. The writer

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mineva C. Glasgow is a graduate of Caribbean Union College,

The University of the West Indies and the University of
London. She has been serving as the Deputy Executive
Director of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines National
Insurance Services since January 2001. Ms. Glasgow also
holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and has
completed her PhD. In International Business from
Northcentral University in Arizona.

She has written several play, skits and monologues. She has
also written four other books, entitled NIS made simple for
schools, All that Glitters is not Gold , Booklet on
Occupational Safety and Health , and Walk Through – A
Layman’s Guide to the National Insurance.

Chapter 1

3|46
HIV and AIDS

4|46
Let’s ask Sadie, a beautiful 18 year old young lady who lives in a tiny village in St. Vincent and
the Grenadines. Sadie has been diagnosed with HIV and AIDS about 2 years ago.

AIDS is the Acquired Immuno

HIV and AIDS Deficiency Syndrome. It is the
advanced stage of the HIV
infection.

Thank you, Sadie. So, what is HIV then?

HIV stands for the Human

Immunodeficiency Virus. The
virus weakens the body’s system
and eventually causes AIDS.

Sadie: If you don’t mind, could you tell me how you contracted the virus?

Sure, no problem. I was madly in love

with this handsome young man called
Sadon. Girl, we had a good
relationship. Sadon went out sailing
and every week he would call and say
how much he loved me. After nine 5|46
months at sea, Sadon came home and
Unprotected sex? Tell me more...

You mean, big young lady like you don’t

understand what I mean. Well, let me get
to the point. We didn’t use any condom.

So, is just so you get HIV? So when did you find out? The next day?

Girl, no. Sadon spent about one

month home and we were having
sex all the time and I felt really
good. Sadon went back sailing and
girl....

What, Sadie?

Girl, the day when Sadon was

going back, I went to the
airport with him and I was
there kissing him goodbye.
Then, I hear a man shouting
out! “Watch day! You kissing
he? You don’t know he has the
thing?”

6|46
So ,I said, “Sadon, what thing is he talking about?”

Hear Sadon, “is money , he

mean. You don’t know when
people sailing, they feel they
have the world of money! I
going clear immigration now.
Take care of yourself. I am
coming for Christmas”.

Tell you the truth. I left the Airport, but the words: “ he has the thing” kept ringing in my ears.
So what happened next?

I went home the

night and I couldn’t
sleep. Early the next
day I called a friend
of mine and related
the story.

She said, Sadie , “you

So, what was her reaction? are my friend. Don’t
take that for granted. I
don’t believe is money
the man was talking
about. I believe Sadon
has the virus. You

7|46
I said, Virus Lorna? You crazy? Sadon calls me all the time
and says how much he loves me. Sadon doesn’t sleep
around. I am his only girlfriend.
If you hear, Lorna. “Well,
play stupid. I tell you take
a brave mind and go and
take the test.”

Girl, eventually I went to my family Doctor.

He took a blood sample and told me to

come back for the results in three
weeks time.

Lorna, those three weeks were like three years. Girl, I went early that morning and
when Doctor called me, I started to
tremble. He said “calm down, Sadie.
Everything will be alright.” I said,
“Doc, get straight to the point.
“Positive or negative?” “Well”, I said,
“Doc, don’t well me, tell me”. He
said, the results are positive”.

8|46
 Girl, I started to howl.
So, what ? “HIV”, when people have
HIV and AIDS, everybody
scorning you”. He said,
“my dear, that may be so
and treatment is now
available. “ Treatment ,
Doc?” Yes, Antiretroviral

Next to near normal life expectancy, Doc, but aren’t those drugs expensive?

“Yes, they are, but the good thing is that

you have a job”.

But, Doc, when, they find out, they will scorn me.

But, they don’t scorn people with

the common cold and flu, so why
should they scorn you? HIV and AIDS
is a workplace issue. It’s an illness
that should be treated as any other
illness. Employers need to be aware
of this fact.

9|46
So, Sadie, you said that you and Sadon were kissing at the Airport, could you get HIV and AIDS
by kissing too?

No, not unless the

infected person has
bleeding gums.

Remember I asked you if is the next day you find out, but you went on to something else.

Girl, no, there is something

called window testing. You
could do the test and the
virus does not show up
until about 3 to 6 months
after. It’s only after Sadon
went back that I found out.

How long did you estimate that to be?

Taking everything into

consideration, it might have
been just about three months,
but for some people it takes as
long as six months. They call
that period window testing.

10 | 4 6
So, Sadie tell me the real truth about HIV and AIDS because I have been hearing so much about
the disease, but I don’t know what to believe.

Truth No1.

HIV and AIDS is

transmitted primarily
through unprotected
sexual intercourse with an
infected partner.

And Truth number 2? I am listening ...

Truth No.2

HIV and AIDS Is

transmitted by
hypodermic needles
and syringes. I mean
contaminated

So, this brings you to truth no.3 ?

HIV and AIDS is also transmitted

from Mother to Child during
pregnancy, delivery, or breast
feeding.

11 | 4 6
 Yes, More truths about HIV
Are there any more truths? and AIDS

• HIV and AIDS

affect the most
productive age
group (15 to 49

Still more truths?

Truths

• You can protect yourself

from getting infected
through –testing,
voluntary counselling,
knowledge , and by
using condoms when

Any more truths?

Yes, girl, some workers are more

vulnerable to the disease than others.
For example,

• Sex workers
• Homosexuals
• Transport workers
• Migrant workers

12 | 4 6
I have always been homophobic. That’s why I am glad that homosexuality is outlawed here in
St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

And the next thing some of

But there is a downside
them are bisexual. They are
to that. Because of the
having sex with men and
stigma, many of them
women and that is really
don’t go for testing and
problematic.
that is dangerous.

So, tell me some of the myths?

Myths

• Kissing alone
cannot lead to HIV
and AIDS
• Mosquito bites do
not cause HIV and
AIDS because the

But, girl, why do you think some people don’t go for testing?

Some of the main reasons are:

• Social norms
• Stigma and Discrimination
• Religious conservatism
• Legislation against homosexuality 13 | 4 6
Sadie, one more question before we move on: Why were you afraid to let your co-workers know
that you were tested positive?

Lorna, I’ll explain in Chapter

2 when I talk about Living
with HIV and AIDS in the
worplace.

14 | 4 6
 Chapter 2

HIV and AIDS –A work place issue

15 | 4 6
A WORK PLACE ISSUE

So, Sadie, you were saying that you did not want the workers at your work place to know that
you had the virus. Why?

Lorna, HIV and AIDS is a work place

issue, but I recently got the job and
there is too much stigma and
discrimination.

16 | 4 6
 Well, I am working at the hotel and I don’t
want them to lose customers.

But, Sadie, lose customers, how? Are

you going to sleep with the customers?

No, Lorna, but remember that

even some of the employers
are not sensitized about the
disease. As a matter of fact,
most employers in St. Vincent
and the Grenadines don’t
understand HIV and AIDS.

Well, girl, this might be a test case. This is a good chance to see how Antonio would react.

So, Lorna, are you

suggesting that I tell
him? Yes, Sadie, tell
him because you say he
is always telling you
that you are one of his

Well, call me and let me know what happens. I wish you all the best.

Sir, could I
Good Good,
see you in
Morning, Mr. Sadie.
your office
Antonio. How
at 10.30
are you
17 | 4 6
 Sure, Sadie, why not? After all, you
are one of my top notch workers

Mr. Antonio, It is I sadie.

Come in Sadie, You know

I have an open door
policy. It is even written
on my door

Have a seat, Sadie. What can I do for you today?

Sir, I want to Sure, Sadie,

tell you What is it?
something.

Yes, Sadie, say on..

Well, Sadie, a
bad flu is going
Sir, I went to the Doctor around, so
and he told me I have why didn’t the
the virus. doctor give
you some sick 18 | 4 6
leave?
Sick leave, Sir?

HIV Positive? Get out! It's a

hotel and Bar I have. You
Sir, is not the flu I think, this is a Brothel?
have. I am HIV Take your things and leave
positive. now.

I say, to leave now. Don’t make me have to put you out !

I am not
Business, slow already leaving. You say
and you come telling that I am such a
me about HIV good worker
positive. I don’t want and now you
any sick worker here. I firing me
want workers who can without a cause.

You could go to Union, or Canouan. All I say you must leave. If you go to Union, you could
look for a work at Lambi.

Antonio, you will Mr. Burns, How

hear from my are you? This is
Union before the Sadie, Could I
day ends. 19 | 4 6
come to see you
now?
 I didn't do
Rap! Rap!
anything. I told
Mr. Antonio that
I am HIV
positive and he
told me to leave
now.

Yes, Mr. Burns. I got fired

today.

Fired? For what?

What did you do?

I can’t understand those fellows at all. I am tired telling them that HIV and AIDS is not
contagious. Let me call Antonio

Don’t forget I am a
veteran trade unionist.
I know how to
Mr. Burns, the mood that advocate for workers’
he was in this morning I rights.
doubt he will talk to you.

Antonio, Good morning, how are things going man?

Correct! I
don’t want
Sadie, just came with a any HIV
20 | 4 6
complaint saying that you positive
fired her because she is HIV person in
positive. Is that so? my hotel. I
Severance pay for what? Well, if it isn’t
contagious.
Why don’t you
take her by
I am tired telling the Union?
employers that AIDS After all,
is not contagious. nobody is
Reinstate her now. eating food

I have
already made up my mind. I am not reinstating her.

My workers
You either reinstate
wouldn’t picket
her or I put the because they
workers to picket
know that I
with the intention warned them
to strike, and you
about that
know this is tourist before.

I want to meet with the workers this evening.

I am sure you are

aware of what
happened to Sadie. It
could be any one of
you because AIDS

Well, Mr. Burns I

agree with you. Try to
talk to Antonio again
and if he doesn’t take
her back, let’s get on
the picket line
tomorrow when the
21 | 4 6
 Let me call one more time.

Word on what?
My mind is fixed.
I don’t want any
Antonio, It’s I. Any
worker with HIV
word for me?
and AIDS in my
business place.

Get a few placards.

Persons with HIV and AIDS

Support The ILO
are human beings too!
Decent Work
Agenda!

Stop Discrimination! HIV and AIDS

is not the only Disease! Justice for All workers!

It appears that there is an issue with a worker being dismissed for having HIV and AIDS.

But, this is the

21st Century. You
mean employers
are still
terminating
workers who are

22 | 4 6
This thing is serious. It might cause my hotel to lose more business. I have a change of
heart. I will take
her back because
she is one of my
Mr. Burns, Come over
best workers.
and let’s talk

It’s not just about taking her back. You must put an HIV and AIDS policy in place.

Will do.

• I will train some body as the nodal person

• I will develop a Policy and work plan
• I will implement the Plan
• I will monitor and evaluate the plan

So Sadie, girl you didn’t contact me but I read about the saga in the Searchlight. So what’s
happening now?

Sorry, girl but it was the stress that

I was undergoing, but things have
really changed at the hotel.

23 | 4 6
So, why not fill me in?
Girl, he now has a
policy in place on
HIV and AIDS in the
workplace.

So what does he have in the policy?

1. HIV and AIDS is a work place issue

2. No breach of Confidentiality
3. Gender Equality
4. Reasonable Accommodation
5. No Screening
6. No Discrimination and stigma
7. Provide training for the individual and his/her family
8. Prevention and support in treatment
9. Promote a safe and healthy work place

Those sound like truth. • Management’s

commitment is the key
to success in any work
Hear some more:
place programme 24 | 4 6
• Businesses • HIV and AIDS calls for a
remained in strong advocacy effort
denial for too • Regular technical
So any more truths for the work place?

• Developing a work place policy

through a committee is critical
• Engagement of the HR
Department is very important
• Review of the National Policy and
Legislation is extremely
important
• The policy must be disseminated
to staff

Thanks, Sadie.

We’ll continue the

dialogue in Chapter 3

Girl, I have learnt a

lot so far.

25 | 4 6
 Chapter 3- Social
protection and HIV and
AIDS

26 | 4 6
SOCIAL PROTECTION AND HIV AND AIDS

Sadie, what are we going to discuss today?

Sadie, Is social protection
another type of condom?
Lorna, I want us to
discuss social protection
in the context of HIV
and AIDS.

Well, hear me, stop

right there in your
tracks. Right about
now, my interest is HIV
and AIDS. I don’t want
No, Lorna, it is… to hear about anything
else.

Lorna, please hear me out

Well, the ILO and

Ok, so what is this the UN say that
social protection all social protection is
about? a basic human
right.

27 | 4 6
So? I still don’t understand. Right about
now, you are
confusing me. I
live in St.
Since it is a basic human Vincent. Social
right, then everybody security is
should be covered for social something they
security. have in America
and the other
big countries.

Sadie, we have it here too. It is the same as NIS

NIS is National
Insurance But, you should
Services. That is find out what the
not Social NIS is doing? You
Security. don’t hear them on
the TV singing “NIS
for all”

28 | 4 6
So the “NIS for all” means everybody must get covered.
So, how is it that some
people are not paying? Even
some employers are taking
That’s exactly
out people’s money and
what they mean.
when you go up by NIS to
ask, they are telling you
nothing is there for you.

You see now. You say you didn’t want to hear about social protection and now you just probing
me. I want to get back to HIV and AIDS.

Well, now you

start to tell me,
They are not only taking
the NIS is just as money from people. They
topical as HIV and
also talking about HIV and
AIDS. AIDS.

The NIS did a Poster on HIV and AIDS

for World AIDS DAY. Look a copy of the
Poster here.

29 | 4 6
I like the poster.
You will have to
tell me more
So, you see what I was
about ILO, UN
telling you about the
and Decent
social protection and HIV
Work Agenda.
and AIDS? Social
protection is part of the
ILO is
the International Labour Organization. UN
is the United Nations. Decent Work Agenda defines the
main work of the ILO.

You are a real The same NIS had

scholar. Where four big posters
have you learnt all right in their
that? gallery with all
that information.

Tell me some more. I want knowledge.

The ILO wants to extend social

protection coverage to all groups in
society and to improve working
conditions and safety at work.

30 | 4 6
Improve safety at work and working conditions, so is that the link to HIV and AIDS?

But, that is a good

You didn’t see Mr.
thing the ILO
Antonio had the
doing, But how
safety at work in the
they will get the
HIV and AIDS Policy.
work place to do
that?

The ILO makes certain Recommendations.

Recommendation 202, for

example, talks about the
right to social security and
also that social security is
an important tool to
prevent and reduce
poverty, social exclusion,

I like the part about social insecurity.

You are a
Yes, girl had it not
kangaroo, how
been for the NIS
you jumping from
pension, Mamma
one thing to the
would have gone to
next so?
the dogs.

31 | 4 6
Check it out and see if everything is not
related.
You right, because NIS pays Sickness Benefits too.

I was coming to
that - because is
that same sickness So wait, NIS paying
benefit money for HIV and AIDS too.
that does help me
to buy my ATR

The Booklet says that they are paying sickness Benefit.

Once I take in my claim, I What about Sadon?

am getting my money Could he get the
and the book says in case Survivor’s benefit too?
of death my Funeral I have already left him
Benefit is sure because I out , but if we were
have already worked for 3 living together for
years. Mamma could more than 3 years, the
scamp would have

But, Sadon is a sailor. I wonder if he can’t pay for himself?

Don’t say that. If

you are speaking
about coverage,
Why are you then it’s only fair
studying that he should be
him? He has covered too.
messed up
my life.

32 | 4 6
 I think he had signed up as self employed when he
So is the NIS
came the last time, but I don’t know if he is still covering sailors
paying. too?

As a matter of fact,
the NIS is covering all
Yes, they
workers in the formal
cover them
and Informal sectors.
as self-
I heard the lady
employed.
saying so when she
was talking down by

Perhaps the ILO recommended that too.

Girl, you aren't easy at

all. Yes, the same
Recommendation 202
speaks about social
inclusion, including
persons in the informal
sector.

What else, Sadie?

Truths about Social protection and HIV and AIDS

• Social Security is a fundamental human

right
• This means that persons suffering with HIV 33 | 4 6
and Aids should be included
• Social protection floors are nationally
More truths?

* Universality of protection based on

social solidarity (includes person suffering
with HIV and AIDS).

* Social inclusion (including persons living

with HIV and AIDS).

* Non–discrimination irrespective of

No myths on this one, right? Of course

* Persons suffering with HIV and AIDS are a

burden to Social Security.

* Only persons in the formal sector are covered

for social security.

* Social Security guarantees exclude women

who are affected by HIV and AIDS.

We will come to our final chapter soon

Thanks for the NIS

information. I really
like the Ad on “NIS
for All”

34 | 4 6
 Chapter 4
Managing HIV and AIDS
in the Work place

35 | 4 6
Lorna, I trust that you would enjoy this chapter too.

Sure, so sadie, what I mean that all employers

do you mean by should have a policy which
Managing HIV and provides a framework,
AIDS in the work direction and general
place? principles to deal with the
prevention, support, and care

Sounds good, so far.

But,
Why? Because
Yes, the policy
all workers
framework will
are
apply to all
vulnerable
workers, whether
to the HIV
temporary or
and AIDS
permanent.
infection.

36 | 4 6
So, that means part time workers too?

Yes, because the objectives are:

• To protect employees
from discrimination
and social injustice
• To safeguard the
rights of employees
diagnosed with HIV

But, it may be difficult to accomplish

that, don’t you think?

Not really, one of the first

things is to have a
management committee
in place.

Then, form an internal

committee headed by
your Human Resources

But, won’t the employees who are HIV and AIDS perceive
this as invasion of privacy?

Remember, it’s not what you do,

but how you do it. If the
organisation is accustomed to
discuss other policies, for
example, policies on
Occupational Safety and Health
(OSH) and Sexual Harassment,

37 | 4 6
But, those issues do not have the stigma as HIV and AIDS.

In any event, we
True, but that’s what have a code of ethics
we are trying to which states clearly
correct and to instil in that any behaviour
the workers ‘ minds that is likely to affect
that HIV and AIDS is a the organization is
workplace issue. not private and all
employees sign on to
So, you are looking at it from a
supportive perspective?

We are treating it
Exactly!
as part of our
Remember
regular training
support and
programme. We
care is a part
are going to
of the policy.
impart knowledge.

It seems plausible.

By taking this approach, no

one would be able to say
that we are targeting them.

38 | 4 6
So what issues would you discuss in the general training.

We will invite some one from

the Ministry of Health to
discuss:

• Modes of
transmission
• The most vulnerable
groups

You said the Ministry of Health, why?

Because one of the principles of

management is co-ordination and
since they have a wealth of
information on the issue, it is good
to get them involved early.

So, is it only the Ministry of Health?

No, ultimately we will involve all the

players:

• The Ministry of Labour

• Persons already affected
with the disease
• NGOs
• Companies in the Private
Sector

39 | 4 6
Seems like a plan, Doesn’t it?

Lorna, I know you well so

before you ask me, that’s
called establishing public-
private partnerships (PPPS).

PPP- I think that was a political party. What politics has to do with
HIV and AIDS?

HIV and AIDS is a national issue so

everybody should become involved -
Government, Opposition, and even those
with no position, nobody is exempt. HIV and
AIDS could affect anybody. It is no respecter
of persons.

Well, that is a good thing for the country.

But, it’s what I am trying to

tell you all along. HIV and AIDS
is a disease that is mainly
affecting the productive age
group (15-49), so this calls for
a united approach.

Well, maybe we could discuss the topic

40 | 4 6
on some of those radio talk shows?

You are jumping ahead of me, now? That was

the next point I was coming to. We need to get
the media involved. That is a good mode of
communicating the issues to all and sundry,
because every body is listening to one talk
show or another.

So, newspapers, too, then?

Girl, every conceivable means, but

remember every body can’t read
so radio and TV will reach a wider
cross section of people.

But, before we come off that, how about the churches?

Yes, the churches too. They have a lot of girl, you are
young people and they can’t take it for too much
granted that every member is upright and for me!
besides that, they having plenty crusades
so you never know who will join and with
what.

Based on all that you have said, this calls for money.

41 | 4 6
 Of course, it needs money, so a
budget must be prepared detailing
what you want to accomplish.

So that’s why you were telling me about PPP,

because no one company could foot this bill.

The integrated approach is good, but

individual companies still need a
budget.

So, what items would be included in the budget?

Things like :

• Training
• Condoms’ Distribution
• Formulating a policy
• Public Awareness -

Condoms, so what happen to Planned Parenthood?

42 | 4 6
 The way things are going it is good to put
condoms in the wash rooms and in your
case in all the hotel rooms because “an
ounce of prevention is still better than a
pound of cure”

You tell me about the policy already, but remind me of the principles again.

• HIV and AIDS is a • Don’t screen

work place issue anyone before
• There should be you employ
no discrimination them
• All genders must • Strict
be treated confidence
equally • Maintain the
• Create a healthy employment
environment relationship

Well, Sadie, that was a mouthful. Anything else?

Well, I want to encourage every one to

embrace the truth about HIV and AIDS
and to dispel the myths.

43 | 4 6
Don’t short-change me. What are the truths and what are the myths for this chapter?

• The policy
Truths must be
discussed
• HIV and AIDS is
and
a work place
disseminated
issue
among staff
• HIV and AIDS
• There should
can affect any
be a line
item for HIV

Let’s hear the myths now.

• HIV and AIDS is a private

matter
• Condoms should not be
distributed in the work
place
• Workers must be
screened for HIV and
AIDS before they are

44 | 4 6
 Conclusion

Don’t take HIV and AIDS for

granted. The issue has surfaced
a long time ago, but we must
not let down our guards. Keep 45 | 4 6
 The End

Positive change begins with you!

46 | 4 6