On December 1 of each year we commemorate World AIDS Day to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS. South Africa is one of the worst affected countries, with almost 6 million people living with the disease. According to the AIDS Foundation for South Africa, factors that contribute to this include: poverty, inequality and social instability, lower status of women, high levels of sexually transmitted diseases or infections, sexual violence, high mobility (hand of migrant labor), limited and unequal access to quality health care, and a poor leadership record in response to the epidemic.
It is a long-term process to address some of the factors mentioned above, such as poverty and illiteracy. In order to mitigate the effects of HIV and AIDS in the most vulnerable communities, there is a great need for interventions to support the most vulnerable households that are affected by this epidemic. While there has been great awareness and communication about the virus, it has not necessarily resulted in a change in people’s behaviour.
Over the years, South Africa has made progress in dealing with the epidemic. Studies show that since 2008, antiretroviral (ARV) treatment has increased and HIV/AIDS-related deaths have decreased. Now people are living longer and life expectancy has increased from 53 years in 2006 to 62.2 years in 2013.
That being said, we are still seeing 450,000 new infections every year. Women are more affected by the disease than men. One in four new infections occurred among women between the ages of 15 and 24. The South African Vice President said in June 2015 that there is a need to call for a change in men’s behaviour, especially in the way they relate to women.
Furthermore, stigma and discrimination remain a major problem in the treatment of the disease. Stigma and denial cause people to delay or reject the testing process. People fear the disease because they often lack general knowledge or awareness of exactly what it is and what impact it has. They are afraid of being abandoned by relatives, losing their jobs and homes, etc. and therefore do not get tested and therefore do not receive treatment. Any sexually active person can get HIV. Therefore, it is important to show compassion for others who are dealing with this disease, which will go a long way in fighting this epidemic.
The main challenge is that people are not testing in time. With early detection, counseling and treatment, people can live long and healthy lives. We need to focus on behavior change as well as communication about prevention and treatment campaigns. Getting tested means getting early treatment, which will result in a longer life.
Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the impact HIV/AIDS has on the economy and can play an important role in promoting AIDS awareness and associated programmes.
The Department of Health cannot fight this epidemic alone. They need the support of the private sector. So what can companies do?
• It all starts with the commitment and vision of senior management.
• Companies need to create a supportive work environment by establishing policies and practices that address nondisclosure and nondiscrimination. Promote a constant communication and awareness campaign.
• Implement prevention campaigns that include voluntary testing and counselling. CEOs should get tested first to lead by example. Tests must be done annually. Unions should also lead by example and get tested. This will have a great impact on the self-assessment of others.
• Implement HIV/AIDS programs with access to treatment.
• Extend these programs to the communities as part of their corporate social investment.