Aids policy hailed

Herald Reporters
The Zimbabwe Aids Prevention and Support Organisation has welcomed the recently launched tobacco industry HIV and Aids policy saying it will go a long way in the fight against the pandemic. Zapso official Mrs Muriel Gwanzura said the policy, which sought to guide and direct effective interventions against HIV/Aids and TB in the workplace and improve quality of life and productivity within the industry, was crucial for the sector, hardest hit by the pandemic.

“Workplaces have experienced reduction in skills and labour, disruptions in production and increased business costs,” she said.

“The policy being launched today is quite important and it will help address issues on stigma, discrimination and other stereotypical challenges at the work place.”

The tobacco industry launched its policy last week to help fight HIV and Aids pandemic through the provision of guidelines on prevention, treatment, care and support programmes.

Mrs Gwanzura said the policy was developed after consultation with various stakeholders and partners.
“When people are consulted about any process they develop a sense of ownership to the final product,” she said.