Department of Transport HIV/AIDS Initiative

Current studies by the Medical Research Council (MRC) have revealed frightening figures of infection by HIV among the truck drivers. Although this study was done in the N3 corridor, there is evidence that this is a national problem. What worsens this situation is the fact that there is low awareness level in this sector, which is at high risk.

The epidemic has potential to have major impact on the Road Transport Industry. As the epidemic progresses, illness and absenteeism and employee losses could have serious and severe effects on productivity, and loss of skilled and trained Human Resources. Health care needs are set to rise and other employee benefits such as disability, death, pension and provident funds may also be seriously affected by premature employee deaths. Employee support and assistance will also be needed. Appropriate Industry planning and proactive management of the epidemic is necessary in order to minimise the negative impact on company's and their employees.

The study revealed a high prevalence rate of HIV and poor condom use among truck drivers and sex workers. The complex web of travel and sexual mixing-both within and outside South Africa-create a milieu that is conducive to the spread of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD). It also highlighted the urgent need to deal with the HIV epidemic across political boundaries in the Southern Africa region as a whole.

"PUT BRAKES TO HIV/AIDS IN TRANSPORT"

We will achieve our vision through an aggressive campaign to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS amongst individuals, families and communities especially drivers within our Province and country as a whole.

Through our Truck Stop Clinics, which also provide necessary education, we will empower our drivers and communities around, Taxi Ranks will also be targeted with such Campaigns.

Our strategic objective is to increase awareness about HIV/Aids among the industry participants through various methods at our disposal. The goal of the projects will be to reduce the number of new STD infections and to increase the awareness of HIV/AIDS amongst individuals, families and communities.

Training and capacity development within the Transport industry will have to take place in a formal and informal manner. Working sessions with management, unions and employees will be more structured. Training on site will be structured (although it might mean training when drivers are available and not the other way around), but training at Strategic Points, on the road, at tollgates, taxi ranks and at truck stops will be more informal. A participatory approach and methodology will be used throughout the project.

1. To erect roadside clinics and various resource centres in strategic areas.
2. To launch roadside clinics at all strategic points in our main corridors
3. To distribute promotional materials at strategic points to increase awareness and inculcate healthy precautionary behaviours.
4. Affix stickers on Government vehicle to increase awareness.
5. To render comprehensive training and education on HIV/AIDS in the Transport Industry through road shows for Taxi industry and training provided in the roadside clinics and resource centres.
6. To increase competencies within the relevant Departmental officials in dealing with HIV/AIDS related issues.

• Erection of billboards at toll plazas & other relevant sites.
• Affix stickers to Government vehicles.
• Distribution of promotional material at toll Plazas and relevant areas.
• Providing training in the roadside clinics/resource centres and road shows for Taxi Industry at Ranks.
• On-going

• Erection of roadside clinics and resource centres at strategic areas. As per project list above.

• Attending International/National meetings and conferences where the subject is being discussed. On-going

It is important to acknowledge the fact that HIV/AIDS is a national disaster and should be treated with such importance. In spite of the lack of resources, management and everyone in the Department need to cooperate and pool whatever resources are available at our disposal so as to utilise it effectively, whilst being financially efficient. This is an important issue pertaining to the Department of Transport as it is perceived as the "transporter" of the virus especially through our long distance and cross-boarder drivers.

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has always been viewed as Trendsetters in Transport related issues. In this case we should also be seen as such, by playing a major and visible role in the HIV/AIDS Issues.

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