TRIPLE E TRAINING HOLDINGS

HIV AND AIDS AWARENESS - what you need to know

Being HIV positive doesn't mean you have to give up on life and a job – it simply means that you have to be careful about the lifestyle you live. Unfortunately though for companies, HIV/AIDS impacts on absenteeism, recruitment, training and production efficiencies. Those affected include men and women working in agricultural and industrial sectors, technicians, civil servants and other workers on all levels. Without HIV and Aids awareness, hatred and fear can prevail, but workplace HIV/AIDS policies and programs can play a vital role in raising awareness around HIV, preventing infection and caring for people living with HIV.

Key elements of HIV and Aids awareness:
 

• voluntary HIV testing and counselling programs
• HIV/AIDS education and training
• condom distribution
• encouraging health treatment for STI's and TB
•           creating an open accepting environment
• wellness programs for affected employees 
• the provision of anti-retrovirals or the referral to relevant service providers
• counselling and other forms of social support for infected employees

The impact of HIV and Aids is controllable through appropriate HIV and Aids Awareness programs which are directed towards improving the health and productive capability of employees. With over 5.7 million people infected with the HI-virus, South Africa has made significant progress in HIV and AIDS after it received criticism for its efforts to fight the disease.

The increase in the number of HIV positive workers in the workplace is having huge implications for human resources issues, because planning for and dealing with the impact of HIV/AIDS on employee performance and productivity is a central HR management challenge. Company's have to play an active role in promoting HIV and Aids awareness with positive messages that encourage workers to come forward. HIV/AIDS is no longer a disease, but a Human Rights’ issue,  and Triple e's facilitators play a huge and vital role in terms of bringing HIV and Aids awareness to all South Africans.