The International Labour Organization (ILO), supported by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), has launched an initiative to reach 5 million workers with voluntary and confidential HIV counselling and testing (VCT@WORK) by 2015.The initiative will also ensure that people who test positive are referred to HIV services for care and support, and treatment if needed.“We want to use the mobilizing power of the ILO to encourage 5 million working women and men to undertake voluntary HIV testing by 2015,” said ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder. He called upon all ministries of labour, employers’ and workers’ organizations to join forces and turn this target into reality. “The countdown to 2015 has begun – let us make each day count!” he added.The rapid expansion of antiretroviral therapy in recent years has allowed 8 million people living with HIV to access treatment - enabling them to live longer, healthier and more productive lives and remain part of the workforce.However, according to UNAIDS, it is estimated that 7 million people currently eligible for treatment are not accessing it. ...
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