INTRODUCTION

According to the HSRC South Africa has more than 10% of the global HIV/AIDS caseload, which makes it the highest in the world with more than 5.5 million people infected. Approximately 18.8% of the adult population is HIV positive. This situation and the effect it will have on business, is further exacerbated by the fact that the life expectancy of South Africans has dropped from 59.9 years in 1990, to 50.4 years in 2000, due to the impact of this disease.

The effect that the disease will have on SA businesses over the next decade or more is immense, yet complacency is still common in management.  The impact of the disease can already be seen in expenses associated with staff benefits. In 1995 these expenses amounted to approximately 8% of budget, but they have risen steadily and it is estimated that by this year they will reach 18%.

HIV can therefore not be regarded as a personal problem - it is and will continue to have an increasingly negative effect on the economy.  It is imperative that businesses addresses the AIDS issue if they are to survive.  They need to tackle the issues of healthcare and simultaneously that of stigma or prejudice, as well as worker education on how to maintain a negative status. The rollout of antiretroviral drugs in 2004 has helped some companies deal with staff attrition rates, but it has mostly been the strengthening of policies and taking of a more holistic approach to HIV and AIDS that has proved successful.

The FPD course offers opportunities for the delegates to learn about the management of HIV and AIDS in the workplace. The emphasis of the course is on determining a process whereby primary infection is reduced and those affected and infected with the virus are introduced to a wellness programme whereby HIV and AIDS is accepted and treated as any other chronic condition.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL

The course is suitable for healthcare professionals, human resource and other managerial staff responsible for the planning, management, implementation and evaluation of HIV/AIDS (wellness programmes) and occupational health programmes in the workplace.

COURSE DESIGN

This is a two day workshop based on a participatory learning method suitable for adult learners.

CERTIFICATION

To qualify for the certificate of attendance for this workshop, participants should fully attend the workshop.

WORKSHOP CONTENT

• The HIV/AIDS epidemic.
• The legal and ethical environment in policy development.
• Management of HIV/AIDS in the workplace.
• HIV/AIDS comprehensive workplace programmes.
• Outreach and community projects.
• Monitoring and evaluation.

SPONSORED COST

All participants are required to pay a R250 fee to secure their space.

DATE

REGISTRATION

Madelene Engelbrecht / Tessaline Naidoo

PO Box 75324, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040

Tel: (012) 816 9000                Fax: 012 807 7165

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