SJF supports Nigerian workers' efforts to stave off HIV/AIDS

The Social Justice Fund has approved $15,000 over the next three years to support the Nigerian Labour Congress in their fight to stop the further spread of the HIV virus and reduce its impact among workers and their families. Nigeria ranks as Africa’s most populous nation, with an estimated 150 million people. The nation is in real jeopardy of potential explosive growth of the epidemic.

The spread of the virus can quickly decimate food production and the general economy, leading to an increase in the rate of child labour due to the incapacity or death of parents. Furthermore, HIV positive workers suffer discrimination in the workplace and are often fired, leaving their families in destitution. The National Labour Congress’s program aims to:

• protect, defend and promote the rights and well-being of all workers and trade union members in relation to the HIV/AIDS pandemic;
• create HIV/AIDS awareness in all unions and workplaces;
• develop effective and culturally appropriate education and communication strategies with a focus on prevention and access to quality health care;
• develop equal gender relations and the concept of the empowerment of women as vital to prevention.

The program is jointly supported by various unions through the CLC. The NLC has four large public sector affiliates in the country and looks forward to strengthening its relationship with the PSAC.