Workplace HIV/TB Certificate Program | South Africa

Certificate Program in Implementation and Evaluation of Workplace-based Programmes for HIV and Tuberculosis Prevention and Care

Programme participants with students/mentors from the University of British Columbia, the International Labour Organization and the University of the Free State.

Dates:

February 2011 to July 2012

Funded by:

International Development Research Centre, Canada

Partner Organizations:

University of the Free State (South Africa), Centre for Health Systems Research and Development (South Africa)

There is increasing consensus that access to HIV and TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and support can be provided at the workplace, provided that other aspects, particularly confidentially, can be strictly maintained. International efforts are underway to improve working conditions for health workers, including improving access of healthcare workers to HIV and TB prevention, treatment and care. Building capacity to design, implement and evaluate workplace-based interventions, especially among African healthcare workplaces in view of the scourge of HIV and drug-resistant TB is warranted. This programme is offered to meet this challenge.

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4 days: April 12–15, 2011

The first of the three modules was introductory. It used a combination of presentations by experts (both from Canada and South Africa) as well as intensive, small group, problem-solving sessions, with a strong focus on building skills in addition to disseminating knowledge. The topics covered were:

    1. Basics of infection control (including exercises and the use of online learning modules
    2. Basics of occupational health
    3. International, national and provincial guidelines, legislation and policies regarding occupational health
    4. Basics of HIV and Tuberculosis transmission, prevention diagnosis, treatment, care and support
    5. HIV programs in the workplace
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Students participate in an exercise to practice proper hand hygiene techniques.

  1. Ethics regarding HIV and tuberculosis workplace-based research
  2. Research methods and tools
  3. Basic methods and framework for planning, implementing and evaluating programs

At the module’s end, the participants formed the groups (8) in which they worked to design, implement and evaluate workplace-based interventions over the course of the next 13 months.

An exercise using the new WHO stigma toolkit lead by a colleague from the International Labour Organization.

4 days: September 6–9, 2011

In the second module, each of the 8 groups presented the preliminary version of their projects; these were then finalized over the four day period using capacity building techniques.

SPPH student Alexandre Liautaud assists a programme participant.

Participants acquired the skills to construct budgets, workplans, and timelines, using logic framework analysis techniques.

Mentors worked closely with the participants to develop the necessary tools for their projects (i.e. questionnaires, audit checklists, etc).

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Sharing results of a problem-based learning activity focused on combating HIV stigma in the workplace.

2 days: May 15–16, 2012

In the third and final module, the contents and challenges of the course were summarized and the groups finalized their presentations. Particular attention was given by a panel to tuberculosis screening, diagnosis and treatment protocols for health workers and to HIV stigma, where Simphewi Mabhele, the HIV/TB Focal Point from the ILO, led his HIV Stigma tool kit exercise; a big success!
TB module 3-6

On 17 May, 2012, the accomplishments of the participants in the Certificate Programme were celebrated at a graduation ceremony. More than 100 guests, including representatives from the National Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), International Labour Organisation (ILO), National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), Free State Department of Health (FDoH), local labour organizations and academic departments attended the function.

A programme participant smiles after being recognized at graduation for a year of hard work.

The Certificate Programme participants, in their eight groups, presented their research findings.

The day concluded with closing remarks from Dr Sipho Senabe (DPSA) and Prof Christo Heunis (UFS).

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Implementation and Evaluation of Workplace-Based Programmes for HIV and Tuberculosis Prevention and Care

May 17, 2012

Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Sipho Senabe, Chief Director: Employee Health and Wellness (Department of Public Service and Administration, South Africa)

8:30 Welcome messages

  • Prof. Lucius Botes, Dean of Humanities, University of the Free State (UFS)
  • Plus welcome message from Free State Department of Health- TBD

8:40 Background to the Certificate Programme

  • Dr Annalee Yassi, Professor, (University of British Columbia- UBC)
Sipo and Annalee
8:50 Investigating TB infection control practices in the medical outpatient department at Pelonomi Hospital

  • M.R. Morake, M. Moea, S.E. Mmutle, F. Jacobs
  • Discussant: Sr. Belot (Occupational Health Clinic, Pelonomi Hospital)

Abstract          Presentation

9:10 Improving infection control and safety practices in the Central Laundry: baseline assessment, intervention, and evaluation

  • M.M. Litsoane, K.D. Moeketsi
  • Discussant: Me Lucky Nophale (Provincial Occupational Health Unit)

Abstract Presentation

9:30 Improving reporting of blood and body fluid exposures in the workplace in Thebe District Hospital

  • L. Nkoko
  • Discussant: Mr F.C. Moloi (CEO Thebe Hospital)

Abstract Presentation

9:50 Establishing an effective system to prevent, identify and treat TB in employees at Universitas hospital

  • L. Benson, D.A. Kololo, N.J. Sidyiyo, M.W. Moliko, J. Nkatho, N.W. Pandle, H. Alfonses
  • Discussant: Dr. Muzi Zungu (National Institute for Occupational Health- NIOH)

Abstract Presentation

10:10 General Discussion, Questions, Comments

10:30 Break

11:00 Reducing the risk of DOTS supporters acquiring TB during home visits in Bloemfontein and Welkom

  • N. Jacobs, N. Nyembe, D. Mofokeng
  • Discussant: Ms Sonja van der Merwe (Provincial Tuberculosis Management)

Abstract Presentation

1130-2
11:30 Improving utilization of workplace HIV/AIDS programme for healthcare workers at Pelonomi Hospital

  • N.B. Myeko, F.B. Thlapuletsa, M.N.L. Brandsel, N. Ntlola
  • Discussant: Dr. Kerry Uebel (Centre of Excellence, Pelonomi Hospital)

Abstract       Presentation

1130-5
11:50 Creating a safe environment for patients and staff in the Bronchoscopy theatre at Universitas Academic Hospital

  • A. Smuts, M.E. Motloheloa, H. Madiehe, M.L. Magerman, M.J. Morweng, T.C. Walaza, E.A. Wiese
  • Discussant: Dr. Diane Roscoe (UBC)
  • Abstract Presentation

12:10 General Discussion, Questions, Comments

12:30 Presentation of the Certificates

  • Prof. Lucius Botes and Dr. Sipho Kabane
 1150-2
13:00 Catered lunch

14:00 Demonstration of the Occupational Health and Safety Information System (OHASIS)

  • Zola Bopheka (OHS, Pelonomi)
  • David Jones (NIOH)

14:20 Relevant ILO guidelines

  • Simphiwe Mabhele, (Focal Point HIV, International Labour Organization)
1230

14:35 General Discussion, Questions, Comment

14:45 Presentation of evaluation of the programme

  • Alex Liautaud (UBC)
  • Discussant: Dr. Asta Rau (UFS)
 1420-2

15:00 Reflections on the course

  • Jones Nkhatho

15:10 Options and Opportunities for the next 5 years

  • Dr. Annalee Yassi and Dr. Kerry Uebel
  • Discussants: Dr. Jerry Spiegel, (UBC), Dr. Michelle Engelbrecht (UFS), Dr. Eugenia Elliot (UFS), Veronica Fransman (DENOSA)

15:30 Closing remarks

  • Prof. Christo Heunis, (Director, Centre for Health Service Research and Development)
  • Dr. Sipho Senabe