Institute on HIV/AIDS and Employment: An Affiliated Independent Event of the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012). Held in Washington, DC on July 28, 2012.

摘要

Work is a fundamental part of life. It means much more than a paycheck; it offers purpose and the opportunity to lead an independent, self-directed life for all people, including people living with HIV/AIDS. Moreover, we know that poverty, discrimination, and social marginalization are powerful drivers of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Accordingly, employment is an essential piece of the coordinated response to HIV/AIDS, both within the U.S. and around the globe. Never has this been truer than at this critical juncture in the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Advances in treatment in recent years have made entering, re-entering, or remaining in the workforce an option for more and more people living with HIV/AIDS. Many already possess or are developing the requisite skills for employment success and have the health, stamina and desire to apply them in the workplace. In fact, some of the key qualities that employers seek in new hiresproblem solving, flexibility, resilience, strength and resolveare also attributes of many people living with HIV/AIDS. Whats more, research conducted in recent years clearly indicates the benefits garnered when people at risk of or living with HIV/AIDS are able to pursue meaningful work. Consequently, the conversation about HIV/AIDS is expanding, to include a national focus on employment.