A case study on the implementation of prevalence testing for HIV in a manufacturing company in Kwazulu-Natal

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This article describes the approach taken by a company to successfully implementprevalence testing for HIV at one of its manufacturing sites in KwaZulu-Natal. Ninetypoint four percent of the employees on site on the day of testing subjected themselves tovoluntary anonymous testing. No rewards or incentives whatsoever were offered or givento the participants.The problem faced by the company was that there was increasing mortality amongst itsemployees, particularly those in the lower job grades, mainly machine operators and otherlesser skilled positions. The cost of insured benefits provided by the company's providentfund for death and disability were increasing and less money could be allocated to fundingfor retirement. In the absence of any empirical data the company had no idea how theywould be affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, other than attempting to use provincialaverages.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 whateffect 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 thecompany for representatives from all branches to attend. Various information topics aboutHIV were covered at the workshop, which concluded with the site representatives havingto work out and table an action plan, and make a personal pledge of what they were goingto do to help in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The workshop was attended by all boardmembers, senior management, shop stewards and shop floor representatives. One of thekey features of the presentations was by a senior official of the union, who then assistedthroughout the rest of the workshop. Site plans were then later followed up when a centralcommittee visited the sites and presentations on progress were made.At the workshop mention was made of the need to conduct prevalence testing and also theestablishment of a HIV/AIDS committee. The site committee made the decision thatprevalence testing should take place and consulted the workforce themselves and alsothrough shop stewards. Once it was felt that sufficient support would be forthcoming a datefor testing was set.The company had in the meantime contracted with a service provider to do testing whereneeded. A briefing session attended by the HIV/AIDS committee, shop stewards, themanagement team and two executive directors was arranged. A doctor employed by theservice provider addressed the group and answered their concerns and demonstrated thesaliva test on himself.On the day of testing senior management and the senior shop steward walked the factoryfloor encouraging employees to participate. This intervention has laid the foundation for asuccessful management campaign against HIV and AIDS in the workplace.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University