While the problem of HIV/AIDS among truck drivers has been made widely public in past years, it is also a serious issue among workers in the maritime sector. In this context, the Global Partnership on HIV and Mobile Workers in the Maritime Sector - a new group that brings together eight organizations representing the United Nations, NGOs, unions and employers – set out its strategic aims in London on April 29 2009.

This event was a major step in the process to provide a comprehensive and lasting forum for all key parties in the debate on fighting HIV/AIDS at sea, to suggest ways in which to tackle the virus and its effects and to share their knowledge and experiences. Participants at the event included the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), International Committee On Seafarers' Welfare (ICSW), the International Labor Organization (ILO), International Maritime Health Association (IMHA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the International Shipping Federation (ISF), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and UNAIDS.

In this three day meeting at the ITF headquarters, participants ironed out plans for the structure, funding and activities of the new Global Partnership. The partnership plans to engage directly with seafarers to address high risk behavior and transmission in ports and on ships, as well as to increase awareness of the issue at national and international levels.

Participants emphasized that, by using existing structures, working at different levels, and building on varied experiences and diverse approaches, they can decrease overlap and inefficiencies, have global reach and legitimacy for actions, have a more realistic chance to both cover a broader field as well as mobilize the necessary resources, and create sustainable impact, particularly in terms of behavioral changes. Sustainability is also created by linking intergovernmental organizations with organizations that have a long-term commitment to the cause and whose services have been integrated into the lives of seafarers.

Participants also addressed a number of anticipated challenges and proposed potential solutions. First, with regards to sensitivities around mandates and funding competition, they decided that funds will be allocated according to pre-determined and clearly defined roles. Furthermore, they decided to set clear and achievable objectives and will further define the role of each stakeholder in this respect. Lastly, participants discussed a myriad of challenges relating directly to the actual reach of the program into the lives of seafaring employees, including reducing the incidence of HIV risk behavior among seafarers, distributing condoms, strengthening family links through better communication, increasing access to HIV-related services, providing more recreational activities, and encouraging flexibility from ship owners for allowing employee visits to health professionals, among other strategies.

A pilot program still to be developed will target Filipino seafarers.

For more information, please contact: Marie Engel, Partnership Adviser, Private Sector Partnerships, Partnerships and External Relations, UNAIDS.