Masters Degrees (African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management) by Author "Balding, Alan Guy"

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    A case study on the implementation of prevalence testing for HIV in a manufacturing company in Kwazulu-Natal
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-04) Balding, Alan Guy; Augustyn, J. C. D.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This article describes the approach taken by a company to successfully implement prevalence testing for HIV at one of its manufacturing sites in KwaZulu-Natal. Ninety point four percent of the employees on site on the day of testing subjected themselves to voluntary anonymous testing. No rewards or incentives whatsoever were offered or given to the participants. The problem faced by the company was that there was increasing mortality amongst its employees, particularly those in the lower job grades, mainly machine operators and other lesser skilled positions. The cost of insured benefits provided by the company’s provident fund for death and disability were increasing and less money could be allocated to funding for retirement. In the absence of any empirical data the company had no idea how they would be affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, other than attempting to use provincial averages. The level of knowledge of HIV and AIDS in the company was judged as relatively poor. Many of the staff, more so the senior staff, had little or no exposure to the disease and what effect it had on those suffering from it or those supporting sufferers. Little had been achieved to manage HIV and AIDS until a workshop was organised by the company for representatives from all branches to attend. Various information topics about HIV were covered at the workshop, which concluded with the site representatives having to work out and table an action plan, and make a personal pledge of what they were going to do to help in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The workshop was attended by all board members, senior management, shop stewards and shop floor representatives. One of the key features of the presentations was by a senior official of the union, who then assisted throughout the rest of the workshop. Site plans were then later followed up when a central committee visited the sites and presentations on progress were made.At the workshop mention was made of the need to conduct prevalence testing and also the establishment of a HIV/AIDS committee. The site committee made the decision that prevalence testing should take place and consulted the workforce themselves and also through shop stewards. Once it was felt that sufficient support would be forthcoming a date for testing was set. The company had in the meantime contracted with a service provider to do testing where needed. A briefing session attended by the HIV/AIDS committee, shop stewards, the management team and two executive directors was arranged. A doctor employed by the service provider addressed the group and answered their concerns and demonstrated the saliva test on himself. On the day of testing senior management and the senior shop steward walked the factory floor encouraging employees to participate. This intervention has laid the foundation for a successful management campaign against HIV and AIDS in the workplace.