Freetown: The National AIDS Secretariat (NAS), in collaboration with World Vision Sierra Leone, has engaged the Ministry of Labour and Employment in discussions focused on revising and implementing Sierra Leone’s National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy. The meeting signals renewed momentum toward safeguarding the rights and health of workers across the nation.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the existing workplace policy was originally developed in 2006, with implementation continuing until 2011. The policy officially expired in 2012, leaving a significant gap in protections for employees living with or affected by HIV.
Efforts to resuscitate the framework began in 2022 with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), resulting in a revised draft document by March 2023. However, Director of Occupational Health and Safety, Abdul Karim Conteh, noted a critical shortfall: “Following the review, we discovered no operational or action plan exists to guide implementation. Cabinet approv
al requires such planning instruments. We are actively pursuing funds to develop this plan and remain in close coordination with NAS and ILO.”
Director General of NAS, Abdul Rahaman C. Sesay, underscored the urgency of completing the review process. Reflecting on past achievements, he recalled the Ministry of Labour’s endorsement of the inaugural HIV workplace policy in 2006, which catalyzed meaningful interventions including targeted responses within the mining sector facilitated by Sierra Rutile. “World Vision currently serves as principal recipient for global funding, with NAS operating as service provider. Through sustained collaboration, we successfully persuaded donors to finance this critical activity,” Director Sesay explained. He warned of shifting dynamics: “Donor support is gradually diminishing. National ownership is no longer optional, it is essential for sustainability.”
World Vision’s Chief of Party, Gimika Egesimba, stressed the necessity of swift, coordinated action to utilize available fun
ding. He detailed procedural requirements mandated by the Global Fund, including developing comprehensive terms of reference, publicly advertising requests, and facilitating joint proposal evaluations involving NAS, World Vision, and the Ministry of Labour. “The ministry must assume full ownership and maintain vigilant oversight throughout implementation,” Egesimba emphasized. “Accountability and timely completion depend on active government stewardship.”
Commissioner of Labour, Sinneh Bockarie, affirmed the ministry’s preparedness to advance the partnership. He highlighted significant legislative progress under the Employment Act 2023, which introduces enhanced protections for persons with disabilities and removes previously existing discriminatory provisions. “Our legal architecture now provides stronger foundations for safeguarding workplace rights and advancing inclusion,” Commissioner Bockarie stated. “The ministry fully embraces this collaborative initiative and stands ready to work in unison toward su
ccessful policy implementation.”
The tripartite meeting represents a decisive step toward modernizing Sierra Leone’s HIV workplace protections, aligning national policy with international labor standards while reinforcing government leadership as external funding transitions.