AllAfrica, 23 February 2014

A fortnight ago, I was elated when the Ministry of Finance in Lusaka launched its revised HIV and AIDS, Wellness Workplace Policy.

The Ministry of Finance developed the first HIV and AIDS, Health and Social Welfare Policy in 2006 with a view to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on its employees and family members.

But since the launch of this first policy, new developments have emerged in the area of HIV and AIDS which necessitated the review of the policy.

The launch of the revised policy therefore, means that employees under the Ministry will be more aware about the issues surrounding the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Once the employees are enlightened, it goes without question that their families at home will also be enlightened. This will also trickle down to the community.

Like the Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda said when he launched the policy, the Ministry is the nerve centre of government and that the HIV and AIDS Wellness Workplace policy initiative is very positive and is a move in the right direction.

He said the greatest resource any country has is its people who have the attributes of knowledge and skills, commitment, determination and above all a desirable work ethic and/or culture.

"These are the requirements that propel societies forward but HIV has taken from our midst the most productive segments of our population, the young people in whom society at considerable cost has invested knowledge and skills needed for any meaningful sustainable development of our country," the Minister said.

He emphasised that HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted communicable illnesses (STIs) and even non-communicable complications are serious afflictions that have exerted a toll on our country with glaring unsalutary ramifications for society.

Being healthy is our brief number one. Well the minister could not put it any better than this. The Ministry of Finance is the nerve centre of government because of its day-to-day interactions with all institutions of Government.

A copy of the revised policy indicates that the policy took into account changes in the social, economic, cultural and political factors of the country in matters of HIV/AIDS and other ailments.

Source: AllAfrica