In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the Ministry of Health has made significant gains in creating a health care system by forming partnerships with non-governmental organizations, and business and communities.
The mining companies of South Africa recruit 40% of their workforce from one of the poorest regions of the country. These miners travel in excess of 700 km to work at the mines, returning infrequently for family visits. In the mine fields where they work, over 80% of the female sex workers are HIV+ and co-infected with STIs. After extended time away from their families, migrant workers return home from the mines with HIV (with or without TB) to be cared for by women (usually very old) or young children who frequently have little or no access to appropriate resources or support.
By pooling their resources, the mining companies, the recruitment agency (TEBA), and the Departments of Health, Welfare and Education, have developed a successful partnership to provide chronic and terminal care for those infected with HIV and other diseases. This partnership uses community volunteers as the carers and supports them through the support of the industries and business. Clinics and hospitals provide the training of the volunteers, follow-up of patients, and medical and drug support to the community volunteers.
This presentation will show how, working together, health care for the poorest regions is possible by forming partnerships with significant role players.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will: 1) Understand how the MOH in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is creating a health care system by pertnering with NGOs, businesses and communities 2) Have an increased knowledge of HIV/STI rates among migrant workers in South Africa 3) Understand how forming partnerships with significant role players is helping the Eastern Cape Province MOH deliver health care to the region's poorest population
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Home Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Management Sciences for Health, South Africa's Eastern Cape Province MOH
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment with MSH