COCOBOD launches HIV/AIDS workplace policy

Accra, Aug. 9, GNA - The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) on Tuesday launched an HIV/AIDS workplace policy to prevent the spread of the virus among its employees. The policy would also protect employees affected by HIV/AIDS against discrimination and stigmatisation. Mr Isaac Osei, Chief Executive of COCOBOD, who spoke at the launch of the policy in Accra, said the management of COCOBOD was determined to undertake the diagnosis and treatment of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs).

He said the policy would also provide palliative care, support and counselling for PLWHAs and their families. Speaking on the theme; "Enhancing Productivity", Mr Osei said the HIV/AIDS pandemic was a threat to the objectives of the one million tonnes cocoa production target by the year 2011. "We are committed to engaging in HIV/AIDS awareness efforts and are going to bring on board all employees to deal appropriately and compassionately with this menace to the best of their ability," he said.

Mr Osei said Ghana had made great strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS with a reduction of the prevalence rate from 3.6 per cent for the past four years to current rate of 1.9 per cent. According to the Chief Executive Officer, the policy launch would be followed by a massive educational exercise within the cocoa growing sector.

He called on all employees to take full advantage of the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Centre which was commissioned earlier in the day at the Cocoa Clinic. Dr Victor Osei, Director of Health at the Cocoa Clinic, said even though the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS pandemic had reduced, two out of 100 people were infected everyday.

He said the policy of COCOBOD was in the right direction to help curb the intensity of the menace.

Dr Osei commended the management of the COCOBOD for instituting such a policy and called on all employees to make good use of the policy. Staff of the Board organised a float earlier in the day throughout some principal streets of Accra as part of the launch. 9 Sept. 08