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Abstract
HIV/AIDS programming; Challenges and opportunities for responses in the small to medium sized companies in Zimbabwe
N. Moyo
Issues:
HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Zimbabwe is estimated at 24.8% amonsgt ages 15-49 years, according to UNAIDS as at 2004. As such it affects the most economically activive group in Zimbabwe through lost prioductivity, high health costs. SMEs (Small to medium enterprises) employ more than 70% of the total labour in Zimbabwe. The local economy has declined by over 30% gross domestic product in the last five years, and theSME sector has become the engine room for economic activity.
Description:
An evaluation study was carried out in the Bulawayo city area,western Zimbabwe. The main objectives were to measure the current responses in the SME sector, evaluate their effectiveness, and formulate a framework for effective HIV/AIDS workplace interventions in resource constraint settings. At total of 25 small companies with labour sizes ranging from 20 to around 120 employees were involved in the study. Methods of study review included qualitative surveys,in depth interviews with company owners, review of company documentation on health costs. A structured questioner was sent out to AIDS service organizations and health service institutions to assess their response to the SME sector.
Lessons learned:
HIV/AIDS workplace responses in the small to medium sized companies reviewed were fragmented.Technical capacity to implement efective workplace HIV/AIDS programs was weak. However, awareness of the need for HIV/AIDS interventions was high amongst the company owners of the small to medium enterprises.Perceived cost of ARV (Antiretrovial drugs) around US$300 a year, was the main obstacle in implementing HIV/AIDS workplace programs. The business managers in small companies lacked business measurement tools to link with costs and benefits of HIV/AIDS interventions to their organizations profitabilty
Recommendations:
Partnerships are essential were essential
between government, SMEs, AIDS service organizations, especially in sharing resources, expertiseand networking opportunities.There is need for a specialized agency that addresses needs of small companies in terms of HIV/AIDS responses.Advocacy efforts targeted at key stakeholders in small companies need to be scaled up
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDC1837
Suggested Citation
" N. Moyo
HIV/AIDS programming; Challenges and opportunities for responses in the small to medium sized companies in Zimbabwe.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDC1837"
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