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date: 28 November 2008

embargo: 00.01hrs Monday 1 December 2008

TUC launches two new projects to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa

To coincide with World AIDS Day today (Monday), the TUC is launching two new projects in Africa to combat the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, and the stigma and discrimination associated with it.

TUC Aid - the development arm of the UK trade unions - will be assisting the Timber Workers' Union (TWU) in Ghana and the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) in Uganda.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber will launch the projects at a reception at the TUC headquarters in London, with guests including Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development Ivan Lewis, Unite Assistant General Secretary Diana Holland, National AIDS Trust Chief Executive Deborah Jack and former General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union Lord Bill Morris of Handsworth.

Brendan Barber said: 'Today we are launching two initiatives funded by the Bill Morris Testimonial Fund for HIV/AIDS in Africa - one in Ghana, and the other in Uganda.

'These are two really worthwhile projects that will make a huge difference to the lives of ordinary working people.

'We will help unions in Ghana and Uganda help their members by making the workplace the frontline in the battle against the AIDS pandemic.

'Workplaces have the infrastructure for training and education campaigns on HIV/AIDS - and where unions are recognised, we can help to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.

'The TUC has been actively supporting workplace initiatives on HIV/AIDS for many years, supporting the programmes implemented by the International Trades Union Confederation (ITUC) in countries such as Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.'

The TUC is involved in the HIV/AIDS policy debate in the UK and last year launched a leaflet on HIV/AIDS at work in collaboration with the National AIDS Trust to help unions learn how to deal with HIV and HIV discrimination. The TUC also works closely with the Stop AIDS Campaign.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber will launch the projects with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development Ivan Lewis, Unite Assistant General Secretary Diana Holland, National AIDS Trust Chief Executive Deborah Jack and former General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union Lord Bill Morris of Handsworth, at 1pm on Monday 1 December at Congress House.

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
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Press release (500 words) issued 1 Dec 2008