WBCG HIV/AIDS Helpdesk

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is considered to be high in the transport sector, especially among migrant workers such as truck drivers. HIV/AIDS is, therefore, a threat to all business operations. As a response, the Group launched an HIV/AIDS Help Desk in March 2003, which aims to address HIV/AIDS issues within the transport sector and support the implementation of comprehensive workplace programmes within Group member companies, thereby preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and contributing to reduced infection rates. The Help Desk offers an ideal structure to address HIV/AIDS in a comprehensive and cost-effective manner by allowing for resources to be shared in a joint effort.

The HIV/AIDS Help Desk was set up with the financial commitment of the Group and its member companies, and through a financing agreement with the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).

Since its launch, the Help Desk now has 12 signed-up member companies who actively participate in and benefit from Help Desk activities. These members are the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport), Unitrans Namibia, Etosha Transport, Kuehne & Nagel (Pty) Ltd, FP du Toit Transport (Pty) Ltd, TransNamib Holdings Ltd, Transworld Cargo (Pty) Ltd, Manica Group Namibia, Wesbank Transport, Jowells Transport, H&H Furniture Removals CC and Roads Authority.

Achievements to date include the launch of an HIV/AIDS Group Policy in January 2007, the provision of training and refresher courses for a number of peer educators within member companies, and the constant provision of information and advice to participating companies.

The HIV/AIDS Help Desk offers the following services:

• facilitating the design of appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support programmes in the workplace;
• training of Peer Educators;design, production and distribution of information and educational materials;
• acquisition and distribution of information and educational materials;
• advice on and facilitation of access to Voluntary Counselling and Testing, Home Based Care and Treatment;
• monitoring, Evaluation and Supervision of HIV/AIDS Workplace Programmes;
• assisting member companies to develop their individual workplace policies on HIV/AIDS and ensure that they are in line with the Group Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS;
• conducting HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns in close collaboration with member companies;
• to undertake an impact assessment of the services offered, and
• to monitor and supervise programmes and ensure quality service.