More employers paying for anti-retroviral treatment and implementing regular prevalence testing and monitoring in the workplace
South African employers are shifting away from education and awareness and focusing more on HIV/AIDS management programs as the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the workplace continues to increase dramatically, according to a recent survey.
In 2003, a survey conducted by Old Mutual found that on average 15 per cent of the South African workforce tested positive for HIV/AIDS. This year that number rose to 20 per cent of 300,000 employees surveyed.
The Old Mutual 2005 Healthcare Survey found that employers are transforming the HIV/AIDS landscape with their approach to dealing with HIV-positive employees by introducing HIV/AIDS management programs, paying for anti-retroviral treatment and implementing regular prevalence testing and monitoring.
This year, 80 per cent of employers reported that developing an HIV/AIDS strategy is their key focus and 71 per cent of employers already have a documented strategy in place.
In surveys conducted prior to 2000, organizations were focused largely on education and awareness.
Those employers that offer education and awareness programs said there’s still a stigma associated with being HIV positive and that presents a stumbling block to measuring the effectiveness of the programs. However, employers said the greatest benefit of the programs was the counselling component, which was also the most needed component.
In 2003, a survey conducted by Old Mutual found that on average 15 per cent of the South African workforce tested positive for HIV/AIDS. This year that number rose to 20 per cent of 300,000 employees surveyed.
The Old Mutual 2005 Healthcare Survey found that employers are transforming the HIV/AIDS landscape with their approach to dealing with HIV-positive employees by introducing HIV/AIDS management programs, paying for anti-retroviral treatment and implementing regular prevalence testing and monitoring.
This year, 80 per cent of employers reported that developing an HIV/AIDS strategy is their key focus and 71 per cent of employers already have a documented strategy in place.
In surveys conducted prior to 2000, organizations were focused largely on education and awareness.
Those employers that offer education and awareness programs said there’s still a stigma associated with being HIV positive and that presents a stumbling block to measuring the effectiveness of the programs. However, employers said the greatest benefit of the programs was the counselling component, which was also the most needed component.
