EFFECTS OF HIV/AIDS ON THE CAREER PROGRESSION OF HIV/AIDS CAREGIVERS AND SUPPORT GROUP MEMBERS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
Obi Sixtus Chibuzor
Volume 5 Issue 1
Abstract
Anambra State is rated fifth in Nigeria's HIV prevalence and first in the South-East Zone with a 2.4% prevalence rate, which is above the 1.4% national prevalence. This study examines the effects of HIV/AIDS on the career progression of caregivers and HIV support groups members in Anambra State Nigeria. The study adopted Social Exclusion Theory to explain the effect of HIV/AIDS on the caregivers and HIV support group members Career progression in Anambra State. A purposive sampling technique was adopted for the selection of key stakeholders that were interviewed. The primary data were collected through Key Informant Interviews (KII) and In-depth Interviews (IDI). Thirty (30) stakeholders were interviewed. The interview results and other secondary data (past studies and literature) were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that HIV/AIDS disrupts the career progression of the caregivers and HIV support group members in Anambra state. Therefore, the study recommends Tax Benefits and other incentives like flexible work arrangements (Work-From-Home) and training that can encourage firms to maintain worker productivity despite the health condition of the infected workers. This will mitigate and support group members and caregivers being denied employment and even those who stand the risk of dismissal or premature retirement because of their HIV status. Keywords: Career progression, Caregivers, HIV/AIDS Support group
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