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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
Keeping health staff healthy: Evaluation of a workplace initiative to reduce morbidity and mortality from HIV/AIDS in Malawi
Journal of the International AIDS Society, Volume 14, No. 1, Article 1, Year 2011
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Description
Background: In Malawi, the dramatic shortage of human resources for health is negatively impacted by HIV-related morbidity and mortality among health workers and their relatives. Many staff find it difficult to access HIV care through regular channels due to fear of stigma and discrimination. In 2006, two workplace initiatives were implemented in Thyolo District: a clinic at the district hospital dedicated to all district health staff and their first-degree relatives, providing medical services, including HIV care; and a support group for HIV-positive staff. Methods: Using routine programme data, we evaluated the following outcomes up to the end of 2009: uptake and outcome of HIV testing and counselling among health staff and their dependents; uptake and outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among health staff; and membership and activities of the support group. In addition, we included information from staff interviews and a job satisfaction survey to describe health workers' opinions of the initiatives. Results: Almost two-thirds (91 of 144, 63%) of health workers and their dependents undergoing HIV testing and counselling at the staff clinic tested HIV positive. Sixty-four health workers had accessed ART through the staff clinic, approximately the number of health workers estimated to be in need of ART. Of these, 60 had joined the support group. Cumulative ART outcomes were satisfactory, with more than 90% alive on treatment as of June 2009 (the end of the study observation period). The availability, confidentiality and quality of care in the staff clinic were considered adequate by beneficiaries. Conclusions: Staff clinic and support group services successfully provided care and support to HIV-positive health workers. Similar initiatives should be considered in other settings with a high HIV prevalence. © 2011 Bemelmans et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Bemelmans, Marielle
Switzerland, Geneva
Medecins Sans Frontieres
van den Akker, Thomas
Switzerland, Geneva
Medecins Sans Frontieres
Pasulani, Olesi
Switzerland, Geneva
Medecins Sans Frontieres
Tayub, Nabila Saddiq
Switzerland, Geneva
Medecins Sans Frontieres
Hermann, Katharina
Belgium, Antwerpen
Prins Leopold Instituut Voor Tropische Geneeskunde
Matanje-Mwagomba, Beatrice L.
Malawi, Lilongwe
Ministry of Health Malawai
Jalasi, Winnie
Switzerland, Geneva
Medecins Sans Frontieres
Chiomba, Harriet
Unknown
National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives
Ford, Nathan P.
Switzerland, Geneva
Medecins Sans Frontieres
South Africa, Cape Town
University of Cape Town
Philips, Mit P.
Belgium, Brussels
Medecins Sans Frontieres, Brussels
Statistics
Citations: 57
Authors: 10
Affiliations: 6
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1758-2652-14-1
e-ISSN:
17582652
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
Malawi