Horizons Projects | Addressing Stigma and Strengthening Prevention, Care, and Support Services for Workers

HORIZONS PROJECT
Addressing Stigma and Strengthening Prevention, Care, and Support Services for Workers

To minimize the potential negative effects of a workforce that is highly infected with HIV, businesses must play a key role in both HIV prevention efforts and in mitigating the effects of the HIV epidemic on their employees. Eskom, South Africa’s main electrical power company, asked the Horizons program to help strengthen its existing HIV and AIDS program by testing new strategies in three areas of KwaZulu-Natal Province. The intervention strategies included enhanced training for peer educators for capacity building, materials distribution and voluntary counseling and testing referrals from peer educators, care and support visits to community members living with HIV, and activities designed to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Key findings and recommendations include:

HIV and AIDS knowledge gaps among workers were successfully addressed; more information was disseminated.
There is increased awareness of Eskom’s HIV and AIDS policies, but a desire for a direct role in providing HIV treatment.
Peer educator capacity increased, but greater buy-in from management is needed.
Peer educators and supervisors confronted stigma, but concerns remain about stigma and confidentiality.
An important link was created between workplace and community HIV and AIDS services, but better coordination and role clarification are needed.
Workplace HIV and AIDS programs need continued attention, and operations research provides direction to address program challenges.

Location

Empangeni, Newcastle/Ladysmith, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Duration

November 2000–December 2004

Horizons and Population Council researchers

Eka Esu-Williams, Mazwi Mngadi, Joseph Motsepe, Julie Pulerwitz, Isaac Selewe

(For more information about this study, please contact horizons@popcouncil.org.)

Non-Council collaborators

Edward Dube, Carl Manser, Gugu Mgilane, Banigo Mkhize, Bruce Moody, Charles Ndlovu, Charles Roos, Liz Thebe (Eskom)

Aki Stavrou (Development Research Africa)

Robert Stewart (formerly of Development Research Africa)

Vaughan M. Dutton, Mnguni (consultants)

Nonhlanhla Khuzwayo, Nothemba Mahlawe (liaisons between Eskom and the NGOs)

AIDS Work Group

Church Mission Ministries

Greater Involvement for People with AIDS (GIPA)

Sakhisiwze

Tholulwazi

Umuzi Wabantu Development Initiative

Donors

US Agency for International Development

Development Research Africa

Publications/Resources
Horizons and Population Council researchers' names appear in boldface type.

2004
Pulerwitz, Julie, Jessica Greene, Eka Esu-Williams, and Robert Stewart. "Addressing stigma and discrimination in the workplace: The example of ESKOM, South Africa," Sexual Health Exchange 2004-2: 9–10. (offsite link)

2003
Hutchinson, Sherry. "HIV/AIDS workplace programs: Mobilizing managers, crafting policies, educating workers," Horizons Report, June. Washington, DC: Population Council. (Contact horizons@popouncil.org for a copy)

2002
"Addressing HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in a workplace program: Emerging findings," Horizons Research Summary. Washington, DC: Population Council. (PDF)