Management commitiment: A key to a success of HIV/AIDS workplace interventions. experience from construction sector, in Tanzania, 2003.
Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. MoOrD1099)
Ndenzako F, Phil M WHO Country office for Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Introduction and BACKGROUND: For the past two decades since the reporting of the first HIV case in Tanzania, the spread of the infection has been skyrocketing to the tone of estimated 2.2 millions adult Tanzanian living with HIV/AIDS. Construction sector has been taking a lead in the response to HIV interventions in the area of world of Work. Realizing the impact of the epidemic, Construction Company 'X' with around 1000 employees, set a out a work place HIV/AIDS intervention programme. Methods and results: Before the start of the program, policy was set, communicated to all level management leaders and employees. Baseline and follow up surveys were conducted on behaviors and HIV point prevalence. Awareness campaign including seminars, sports, and billboards on site, leaflets, and calendars with Health massages advocating VCT and caring out survey was initiated. Management provided resources to carry out the intervention programme and supported employees and their families needing assistance. Because of high management commitment, the following were achieved. Behavior change and positive attitude was achieved The knowledge of HIV transmission increased from 68% to 93% in follow up Number of extramarital relations reduced from 71% in baseline to 47% in follow up Condom use increased from 31% to 36% in twelve months and willing ness to test for HIV increased from 66% to 81% and Number of self reported STIs in twelve months reduced from 6% to 9%
CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the interventions were well accepted and taken as a positive to employees and enjoyed efforts made by the sector. It is recommended that other sector should copy the success and implement in their areas while the HIV/AIDS intervention program should be strengthened.
Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Prevalence, Behavior, Workplace, Infection, Disease Outbreaks, Tanzania, Adult, organization & administration
