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AIDS stigma a major challenge in public service

    JOHANNESBURG

    HIV/AIDS stigma is still an issue in South Africa's Public Service Department, delegates at a Johannesburg conference on Health and Wellness in the Public Service Workplace have heard.

    Although the department is considered the most progressive employer in terms of institutional HIV/AIDS policies, it still faced a major behavioural challenge, said department chief director Kgotla Bantsi.

    The government news agency, BuaNews, quoted Bantsi as saying: "The public service in South Africa needs a major cultural re-orientation. What we need is highly charged emotional leadership - leaders who not only talk the talk but who walk the walk."

    Employees are still unwilling to disclose their HIV status, but the department is hoping to formulate a comprehensive plan to turn the trend around.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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