Private sectors in Papua and West Papua committed to HIV workplace prevention programmes
To mark the eighteen-month implementation of the ILO’s Mobilizing the Private Sector to Deliver HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care in High Prevalence Areas of Papua and West Papua Project, two meetings on Workplace Working Group on HIV from 18-20 January 2016.
Ten companies in Sorong and Jayapura districts (five companies in each district) have committed to continue the implementation of HIV workplace programmes, in collaboration with local governments through community health centers. These companies are committed to delivering effective HIV prevention, counselling and testing as well as treatment support services for their workers.
After more than a year of implementation, the progress made are notable. Ten companies have declared their commitment to continue HIV prevention programmes at their companies. With strong support and commitment not only from private sector, but also from local governments and other related stakeholders, I believe the progress made can be continued and sustained to jointly end HIV and AIDS in Papua and West Papua."
Francesco d’Ovidio, Country Director of the ILO in Indonesia
One of the companies in Sorong district, JOB Pertamina Petrochina, has conducted various HIV testing and treatment for their workers. “We are committed as company is allowed to independently providing HIV related services. Innovative actions have been conducted to attract workers to take HIV testing and treatment voluntarily. We conducted routine health talks and blood donors as well as gave away souvenirs,” explained dr Wilkananta from JOB Pertamina Petrochina.
“The initiative has helped us to reach more workers with HIV Testing and Counselling. Due to the long distance to the nearest hospital, we are now providing HIV treatment for workers living with HIV. I hope the strong relationship between the company and the health office can be continued,” said dr Andreas Ari Wibowo from Sinar Mas in Jayapura.
Local governments, represented by Suka Harjono, SSos., Msi, Deputy Head of District, who also act as the Head of AIDS Commission in Sorong district and Harold Monim, S.Sos.,MSi, Head of Labour Office in Jayapura district, have strongly supported the implementation of the Project’s programmes. They both emphasized that HIV and AIDS programmes are not solely the responsibility of the government. Active participation from private sectors is crucially needed as workplace plays an important role in HIV prevention programme.
Francesco d’Ovidio, Country Director of the ILO in Indonesia, highly appreciated the strong supports given by local governments of Sorong and Jayapura districts as well as other relevant stakeholders like local AIDS Commissions, Port Authority Offices, Health Port Offices, Community Health Centers, workers’ and employers’ organizations as well as private sector and their workers.
“After more than a year of implementation, the progress made are notable. Ten companies have declared their commitment to continue HIV prevention programmes at their companies. With strong support and commitment not only from private sector, but also from local governments and other related stakeholders, I believe the progress made can be continued and sustained to jointly end HIV and AIDS in Papua and West Papua,” he stated.
Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Government of Australia, the Project aimed to develop a low cost model to deliver effective HIV prevention, counselling and testing and treatment support services through the private sector in two targeted districts: Sorong and Jayapura. Conducted activities have included a framework for collaboration between the provincial and local health and labour departments, community organizations, private sector and other relevant organizations. (*)