UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

“A Centre of Excellence in the Heart of Africa”

HIV / AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY

September 2009 CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY Table of Contents

Foreword ii

Acknowledgement iii

Acronyms iv

Introduction 1

Background 1

Objectives 3

Key Principles 4

Key Services 7

Reporting Requirements 9

i UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY Foreword

This important workplace policy for Uganda Christian University places disease prevention responsibilities upon staff and students within a community context committed toward participating with Mukono Town and District. We’re committed to our community and determined to work for it’s betterment in HIV/ AIDS prevention, education, and treatment (as resources allow). We realize that too often HIV/AIDS victimizes women more than men, that masculinity, although a physical characteristic is also a set of beliefs and social practices that’s engrained within institutions whereby men and women, adhering to prescribed gender roles, prevent one another from getting tested for HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this policy goes beyond similar institutional policies by encouraging and promoting frequent physical examinations, blood tests, for every staff member and student, regardless of gender, where results are kept private between qualified healthcare providers and those being tested. This policy aims toward preventing discrimination, stigmatization, and/or victimization of those who test positive for HIV/AIDS. My warm thanks to those who work in making this policy an integral part of our campus-wide Health & Wholeness Programme overseen by UCU’s Health & Safety Committee, and the departments of Development Studies, Foundation Studies, and Health Sciences, as well as to those working as front-line providers of basic medical care at UCU’s Allan Galpin Clinic. Many hours of team-based management went into this policy; it reveals significant mature thinking and strong biblical wisdom in its preparation and dissemination. We hope that this policy can stimulate other businesses and institutions within the Mukono area into supporting the HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme directed by the Honorable Mayor Muyanja Senyonga Johnson of Mukono Municipality.

Stephen Noll, PhD, Vice Chancellor

ii UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY Acknowledgement

Workplace interventions that educate and inspire disease prevention, preventing discrimination, stigmatization, and victimization of those under treatment are essential steps forward in the global fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

UCU’s Health & Safety Committee thanks those within the offices ofthe Honorable Mayor, specifically Ismail Semyalo, Principal Assistant Town Clerk of Mukono Municipality working with those within the AMICAALL Uganda Programme for providing guidance and financial support required for making this Workplace Policy possible.

The Health & Safety Committee’s efforts towards this goal are also hereby acknowledged.

Dr. Florence Bakibinga Sajjabi (Mrs) Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration) Chair, Health & Safety Committee

iii UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY Acronyms

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

AMICAALL Alliance of Mayors’ Initiative for Community Action on

AIDS at the Local Level

ARV Anti-Retroviral (Medicine)

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus

IEC Information, Education and Communication

ILO International Labour Organization

STD Sexually Transmitted Infections

UCU Uganda Christian University

VCT Voluntary Counseling and Testing

iv UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY 1.0 Introduction

Uganda Christian University (UCU) began in 1997 and later chartered private faith-based university built upon the earlier foundations of Bishop Tucker Theological College that trained since 1913 ministers for the Church of Uganda. The university now has, in 2009, over 7,000 students, including seminary scholars and students majoring in a variety of disciplines essential for the development of this nation, who are all serious in their academic pursuits and in developing careers beneficial to themselves, their families, the church, and the Republic of Uganda. The university is located within Mukono Municipality and District along Bishop Tucker Road, about 23 kilometers east of along the highway to Jinja. The community of Mukono and surrounding areas thrive, in part, because UCU is growing in its service as “a Centre of Excellence in the Heart of Africa.”

2.0 Background

Advances in medical research have brought new and successful treatments for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). However, HIV/AIDS remains one of the most deadly epidemic causing adverse social, economic and political consequences

The education sector, to which UCU is meant to contribute, is equally affected. Although there are no statistics to date, there are many teachers who have been affected by the virus and those that have died hence affected the quality of education.

Like any other community in Uganda, UCU is concerned about the huge impact HIV/AIDS has caused on the university community. Therefore, management has decided to put in place this HIV/AIDS workplace policy to compliment the already existing policies to address HIV/AIDS and its effects

It’s clear that Uganda Christian University (UCU) can serve Mukono Town and District in many collaborative efforts required among social and institutional segments if HIV/AIDS is to be brought under control, or hopefully eliminated. Nobody wants to put up with this disease, or any disease, until the Lord comes again at the end of the era, whenever this may occur. Partnerships between 1 UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY communities, public health, and academic institutions, like UCU, are truly essential for translating technology into scientifically accurate, culturally relevant, and epidemiologically effective preventive measures. We gratefully thank the Honorable Mukono Mayor and his HIV/AIDS Workplace Task Force and AMICAALL for this opportunity to participate in a community, indeed in a national and global, threat to the health and wholeness of our neighbors and fellow citizens

HIV transmission to medical and dental personnel examining and treating people living with HIV/AIDS, even under the best training and protective practices, remains a high occupational hazard. Therefore, non-healthcare people ought to be more cooperative with medical and dental personnel, and not become offended when safety gear and equipment is used by professionals in a clinical setting. HIV-negative and HIV-positive individuals ought to work with medical and dental personnel, and not harbor antagonism toward them when they’re exercising their professional duties.

HIV transmission requires contact with body fluids containing infected cells, and may be present in body fluids containing plasma or lymphocytes, specifically blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, saliva, or wound exudates. Although it’s theoretically possible, transmission by saliva or droplet nuclei produced by coughing or sneezing is extremely rare. HIV is not transmitted by casual contact or even close nonsexual contact that occurs at work, school, or home. HIV cannot be picked up from a toilet seat. How best to deal with this disease in culture and society remains almost as elusive as are developing treatments.

A tradition exists among many Ugandan tribes, clans, and families for identifying solutions to critical issues by convening all family members under the leadership of seniors or elders. Meetings are mandatory, not optional. The critical issues are identified or defined, recommendations for possible solutions are gleaned from old and young, everyone is provided the opportunity to speak his or her mind, then elders provide leadership in developing a plan of action that fairly and judiciously controls or treats the problem and resolves critical issues.

2 UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY Certainly, disagreements occur and are expected, but the richness of discussions and the passion from human interactions create an environment ripe for commitment and ready for action. UCU’s HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy needs to be examined from these points of view, because this epidemic oftentimes called a pandemic, leaves no single person, family or institution untouched by its insidious contamination and spread among God’s people.

3.0 Overall Objective Provide a framework for University campus action to prevent HIV/AIDS, create a conducive work environment free of stigma and discrimination and where infected staff and students access care, treatment and support services

3.1 Specific Objectives

1. Develop an HIV prevention program aimed at eliminating and reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS at the university as well as within Mukono Town and District

2. Provide a conducive environment for campus action that reduces and eliminates stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV/ AIDS

3. Support staff and students infected with HIV/AIDS access care, treatment and support services.

Target group Foremost target groups are staff and students, as these two categories properly identify everyone, except visitors, on this campus. Target groups are encouraged to obtain annual physical exams, blood tests, from professionally qualified medical personnel capable of accurate testing, who capably provide oversight prevention and treatment, and who respect, protect, and maintain patient or client confidentiality.

3 UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY UCU is committed toward providing venues through various groups similar to its student-led HIV/AIDS Initiative Group, Allan Galpin Clinic, Director of Student Affairs, and the Counseling Centre whereby target groups can, in privacy, obtain HIV/AIDS support services like annual blood tests that detect HIV.

Testing results must be kept private, divulged only to the blood donor, in a private and professional consultative fashion that maintains and protects human dignity. Persons testing positive are encouraged to seek further counseling about the dangers of HIV/AIDS, about the essential and necessary protection of others, preventing the spread of this disease, and various treatment options available from qualified medical personnel.

UCU is committed to providing target groups with lists of qualified medical personnel or groups capable of counseling and treating HIV/AIDS positive persons, and such medical personnel or groups must agree to be periodically checked by this university’s Quality Assurance Committee members who will review and document all listed providers’ qualities of confidentiality, privacy and respect shown to target groups

4.0 Key Principles

The development of this policy and its subsequent implementation will be guided by the key principles based on the ILO code of practice and the world work and guidelines of the National Policy on HIV/AIDS at the world of Work as outlined below;

4.1 Recognition of HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue

UCU management recognizes HIV/AIDS as a big problem affecting the performance of students and staff and capable of affecting the ability of the University to deliver quality education services to students. On the other hand, UCU, given the available tools like the curricula, lessons and lectures, has the potential to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS among its students and workforce. Therefore, UCU will put in place interventions to address HIV/ AIDS.

4 UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY 4.2 Non- Discrimination

UCU’s Health & Safety Policy, Section 4.3, makes clear the existence on campus of a long-standing policy of non-discrimination in employment and enrollment related to HIV/AIDS status. All staff and students retain equal human rights regardless of the results of HIV/AIDS testing. HIV/ AIDS testing results cannot be used as a means of employment, enrollment, and/or promotion decisions made by campus leadership. Students will be given information on the importance of HIV testing so that they are able to voluntarily make a decision whether to test or not to test. Each person willing to take a test will go to places of his/her choice.

Discrimination and/or stigmatization of staff and students isn’t allowed on this campus, and when known or discovered by UCU’s leadership then disciplinary action, as defined and guided by UCU’s Code of Conduct, that is published and widely disseminated, can be exercised against those who discriminate, harass, or stigmatize others known to be living with HIV/ AIDS.

UCU shall ensure that HIV infection is not cause for termination of employment, just like with other medical conditions, persons living with HIV/ AIDS shall be allowed to work as long as they are physically and medically fit and are available for work. Retirement based on medical grounds will follow the available human resource policies

This HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy becomes immediately effective when authorized for distribution by the Vice Chancellor.

5 UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY 4.3 Confidentiality UCU will comply with the required standards in handling medical information regarding HIV/AIDS. UCU’s leadership encourages a campus environment where those living with HIV/AIDS can disclose their status with whomever they desire, and they can trust respected confidentiality when professional counseling is being sought. Many faculty and staff are experienced professional counselors who must, by virtue of professional commitments, keep confidences and build trust with persons coming to them for counseling. It’s important that Christians on this campus practice the biblical directive to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the Law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

4.4 Health Work environment

UCU has a health and safety policy in place, which will be used to ensure control and prevention of HIV/AIDS at UCU. The following areas of emphasis can be found in the Health & Safety Policy:

• Encouraging the promotion of Christian life skills, especially sexual abstinence outside marriage, as the preferred strategy for preventing HIV transmission;

• Making HIV/AIDS awareness and service programs routine; incorporating HIV/AIDS topics into appropriate university courses ;

• Providing times for HIV/AIDS counseling and testing; encouraging positive and healthy lifestyles that minimize stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS;

• Providing necessary supplies and equipment at the campus clinic in order to reduce the risks of occupational exposure to HIV/AIDS; maintain working relationships with other community sources that serve those living with HIV/AIDS.

• HIV/AIDS training is made available to all students through a mandatory core course called Health & Wholeness. Students cannot graduate with degrees from UCU unless they satisfactorily succeed in passing Health & Wholeness.

6 UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY 4.5 Gender equality

UCU recognizes the gender dimension of HIV/AIDS, where women are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and its consequences. Considering that the University community comprises of young women, who are more at risk, UCU will institute programmes with a view to promote gender equality and empower women to address social, economic and cultural risk factors.

4.6 Local Community involvement

It is agreed with the Mayor of Mukono Town Council that, two students from UCU, preferably from the HIV/AIDS Initiative Group and/or the Student Guild’s Health section will participate as members of the Mayor’s HIV/AIDS Workplace Task Force, and requests gender equality among these students. These same students ought to serve on the UCU Health & Safety Committee as well. UCU, as an essential community organization, will network support with other community leaders and institutions capable of dealing in confidence and trust with those living with HIV/AIDS. As requested, two students will serve as representatives on the Honorable Mayor of Mukono’s HIV/AIDS Workplace Task Force. These two student members will have alternates so that when they’re away from campus during cyclical study terms representation on the task force will remain.

UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, External Affairs, requests that a staff member also attends as a member of the Honorable Mayor’s HIV/AIDS Workplace Task Force. Someone under his oversight will be appointed to attend once this request is approved by the Mayor’s staff on this task force.

5.0 Key Services

As part of implementing the Policy, UCU shall endeavor to provide the following key HIV/AIDS services to its university community and the surrounding areas.

7 UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY 5.1 Prevention of HIV/AIDS

This policy places HIV prevention high on the agenda and because of this, UCU will initiate and implement a variety of preventive programmes targeting students and staff at all levels. Such programmes will include those that promote VCT, behavioural change, information dissemination and education and those promoting fidelity. Accordingly, UCU will design specific preventives activities targeting students and staff members

5.1.1 Prevention activities targeting students

• Provide AIDS awareness, education and sensitization through youth friendly activities like drama, music, IEC materials and celebrities. • Empower youth with like skills • Provide information on negative cultures • Promote abstinence before marriage • Facilitate HCT at campus • Refer students to where they can access services like VCT, STD treatment • Train students in gender issues to challenge gender stereo types • Create a peer support programme for students • Provide information on the dangers of cross generation and transactional sex

5.1.2 Prevention activities for staff

• Give regular AIDS awareness and updates on HIV/AIDS • Provide information on VCT and refer staff to access VCT to places of their choice • Promote faithfulness among married staff

5.2 Care and support

UCU will ensure that those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS access the necessary care and treatment services. UCU does not have the necessary capacity to provide these services but will make partnerships with service providers. UCU will design specific activities targeting students and staff members

8 UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY 5.2.1 Care and support activities

• Develop and maintain partnerships with HIV/AIDS service providers • Refer staff and students where they can access treatment and other forms of support • Where possible provide material support to staff affected with HIV/AIDS • Ensure that those living with HIV/AIDS are given time off to attend care and support services

6.0 Reporting Requirements

Epidemiological statistical data about the disease burden is essential information for funding disease prevention programmes. UCU’s Allen Galpin Clinic provides such data through District Medical Officer’s reporting mechanism.

Therefore, in consultation with Medical Offices, the Allen Galpin Clinic will maintain and report accurate epidemiological data about HIV/AIDS on campus. These statistical data will be reported through a chain-of-record-keeping up to Mukono District Health office and Ministry of Education and Sports and ensure that reports remain as accurate as humanly possible.

Financial data about UCU’s HIV/AIDS Initiative activities can be cost- determined and reported on an annual basis through representatives serving on Mukono Town council AIDS Task Force. This ought to encourage other organizations within Mukono Town and District to engage in similar reporting of events and costs, while simultaneously respecting the confidentiality and privacy of people living with HIV/AIDS.

9 UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY HIV/AIDS WORKPLACE POLICY

Uganda Christian University in partnership with the Honorable Mayor of Mukono Municipality and with the AMICAALL UGANDA PROGRAMME is determined to help in Strengthening HIV/AIDS Responses in Urban Local Governments.

10 This Policy was developed with the support of AMICAALL Uganda Programme National Coordination Office/Secretariat, Plot 40 Bombo Road Carol House 3rd Floor P.O. Box 26323, Kampala - UGANDA Tel: 256 - 41 - 4341340, 4250102 Fax: 256 - 41 - 4236838, Email: [email protected], www.amicaall.org Uganda Christian University P.O. Box 4, Mukono - Uganda Tel: 0414290828 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ucu.ac.ug