HIV/AIDS and TB can act as a barrier to African success in global trade system by impeding producers' ability to work due to ill-health. People with HIV/AIDS also need additional resources to afford treatment and to access healthcare for themselves adn their families. Two-thirds of the approximately 33 million HIV-infected people globally reside in Africa's resource-constrained countries. Access to healthcare for those living in rural areas is especially challenging due to long working hours and distance to healthcare facilities.

Through its international standards, including those related to health, worker ownership, empowerment and job creation, Fairtrade is assisting farm workers and their families to combat the negative effects of HIV/AIDS and TB in 25 African countries.

"Farmers receive a financial premium which is used for social investment projects. Some farms in the region use this to pay for healthcare workers and health facilities on the farm, or transport to the nearest clinic," says Marcela Guerrero Casas, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Fairtrade Africa.

Fairtrade labour standards also protect HIV-positive workers, or those who are ill for prolonged periods, from discrimination and ensures job security. This encourages workers to know their health status and access treatment.

Fairtrade Africa is currently carrying out research to examine the impact of Fairtrade Africa (predominantly in South Africa) on levels of HIV/AIDS awareness, testing and access to treatment. The findings will inform new measures to address HIV/AIDS and TV in Fairtrade farms.

"Producers in Africa are acutely aware of how HIV/AIDS can impact their ability to compete in the global market and are looking for ways to utilise the potential of the Fairtrade system to help deal with the problem in whatever way is most effective," Marcela concludes.

Producers were meeting in Zimbabwe at the beginning of December to discuss 'sustainable livelihoods', including the impact of HIV/AIDS and TB.

For further information, please contact:

Marcela Guerrero Casas
m.guerreroc@fairtradeafrica.net
www.fairtradeafrica.net

Download the press release: Fairtrade Africa on HIV/AIDS