By Brian Wasili,

Mwanza, March 7 Mana: Mwanza District Council on Friday held a workshop to orient staff on the HIV and AIDS workplace policy with a call for openness and active participation in all HIV prevention strategies.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), District Commissioner, Dr. Martha Magreta Sineta emphasized on the need to create a safe and supportive environment in the workplace by encouraging staff members to openly discuss HIV and AIDS issues to improve HIV and Aids work place policy.

“The review of this policy is an opportunity for all of us because everyone's input is crucial in ensuring that our workplace is not only safe but also supportive for all staff members regardless of one's HIV/AIDS status.

Sineta underscored the need to deal with stigma and discrimination in the work place.

District Principal Nutrition HIV and AIDS Officer, Fred Kumwenda said there was need for a holistic approach to addressing issues that affect HIV/AIDS response in the workplace by focusing on prevention, care and other support services.

“Let council staff come forward should they feel violated or their rights on HIV/AIDS related issues,” said Kumwenda.

The workshop participants discussed, shared experiences and proposed solutions to enhance the workplace policy, which is expected to further strengthen the council’s initiatives in promoting health, safety and inclusivity among its workers.

District HIV and AIDS Workplace Policy Coordinator, Wilson Kapanda Manda assured the council staff that their HIV/AIDS status will be kept confidential.

Richard Laudoni, a workshop participant described the orientation as an eye opener and opportunity to give input into the council's HIV/AIDS workplace policy.

Each sector at the council is mandated to commit 2 percent of other recurrent transactions (ORT) funds towards HIV and AIDS activities including food ration to council staff living with HIV.

The workshop which brought together key stakeholders was part of the council’s consultative efforts of soliciting views from staff to revisit current HIV and AIDS workplace policy.