HIV/AIDS in the workplace in Viet Nam

The author will present and discuss findings of two research projects in which he participated. The first project conducted in 2001 by the Institute of Sociology is a part of the "Planning Phase Program of Business Community Mobilization for AIDS Control and Prevention in Vietnam" (VBMA), presided by The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), funded by Ford Foundation. The survey was made in 23 enterprises and 8 social organizations located in 3 cities (Ha Noi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City). The second project conducted in 2003 by the Academy of Education Development (AED) and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) is part of the intervention program SMARTWork (Strategically Managing AIDS Responses Together in the Workplace). The survey was conducted in 8 companies located in 7 provinces (Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Quang Nam, Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau).

The author will provide a description of the existing framework between the Government agencies, the Trade Union and companies. He will propose an analysis of the social policy in the companies. These points allow for a better understanding of the legal and policy environment of the intervention actions against HIV/AIDS in workplace.

He will present the results of HIV/AIDS prevention KAPs surveys (knowledge, attitudes, practices) among factory workers and management staff (including the leaders, health workers and trade union activists).
He will then discuss the IEC (information, education and communication) activities, the role of the social institutions in the company, the willing and ability to pay for the HIV/AIDS intervention program. Stigma and discrimination against HIV positive people will also be discussed.