Survey Examines Civil Aviation's HIV Problem

The ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) released a survey on World Aids Day, which examines the prevalence of - and attitudes to - HIV/Aids among civil aviation workers.
The survey draws on the experience of the ITF's civil aviation unions worldwide. It reveals differing knowledge of and responses to HIV/Aids and highlights the need for further research and the development of programmes and policies to tackle the effects of the virus.
The survey is being released for World Aids Day, December 1st.
The exercise was designed to test the need for more programmes, by the ITF, by trade unions, and by others. It has shown that such a need exists, and the ITF is now committed to putting these in place.
ITF Civil Aviation Section Secretary Gabriel Mocho commented: "This survey confirms that HIV/Aids is very much a workplace issue in civil aviation. All the responding countries report incidents of stigma and discrimination, and show support for work to provide education and defend rights. In that spirit we are making our findings public, so that they can increase knowledge of the situation and stimulate debate about it."
ITF HIV/Aids Coordinator Dr Asif Altaf explained: "The challenge is to learn from good practices and to adapt and replicate them in other countries and companies. The ITF hopes that this research will help with this and lead to the development of a practical programme for the benefit of civil aviation workers, their families and communities."
He continued: "Transport workers in many regions and industries experience difficult working conditions which impact on their health and welfare. Work schedules and accommodation are often poorly managed, there is little care for the wellbeing of workers or respect for their rights, and long absences from home increase vulnerability to the risk of HIV. The task we set ourselves was to find out whether civil aviation is subject to the same risks and pressures as other transport sectors in relation to HIV/Aids. Today we have a little more information, and it suggests that our work is just beginning - and points in the direction that it will have to take."
* The survey report includes the views on the impact of HIV/Aids and the need for an ITF programme of 25 ITF-affiliated aviation unions from 22 countries. Five countries - Argentina, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, India and Jordan - one from each ITF world region, were also randomly selected for a more detailed Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey.
02/12/10 Medical News Today

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Dec 2010