RM PHUNGWAYO

Introduction

 HIV and AIDS epidemic trends reflect that the most affected age group is between the ages 15-49.  This has implications for the labour force and necessitates urgent action from the government .

Intro cont

HIV and AIDS epidemic threatens to erode all the benefits of an effective and efficient Public Service, consequently draining the Human Resource and undermines the governments ability to serve the common interest of national service delivery and developments.

MAJOR REFORMS

 The Ministry of Public Service has undertaking major reforms over the last decade such as Public Sector Management Program (PSMP), aimed at improving the delivery of services to the public.

These reforms depend on

 on the stock of Human Resources with the requisite competencies,  the presence of enabling policies, regulatory framework  and the health and well being of public officers to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

Integration

 Government therefore seeks to integrate HIV/AIDS and other medical conditions into the mainstream Human Resource Management Policies of the Public Service.

Establishment of PSHACC



In line with National Response Plan to HIV/AIDS the Government of Swaziland established and launched the Public Sector HIV/AIDS Coordinating Committee (PSHACC) in 2004 to implement public sector obligations are HIV/AIDS at the workplace.

Vision

 To have a healthy and productive workforce that effectively delivers public services.

Mission

 To improve the health and quality of life for public officers through the provision of comprehensive prevention, care and treatment services.

Aims and objectives of PSHACC

 to provide an enabling environment that promotes the prevention, and management of HIV and AIDS and other medical conditions in the government.

Prevention objectives

     To increase the number of officers who know their HIV status .

To provide and increase the distribution of prevention commodities (condoms, protective gloves) to all government officers .

To promote individual and collective responsibility of all officers in the prevention of HIV and AIDS and other medical condition.

To establish a functional peer education program.

To provide information and education opportunities to all officers .

Care and support objectives

    To introduce care and support structures and referral systems( suport group, peer counseling) To increase the number of officers who have declared their HIV status and medical conditions receiving care and support in the various departments.

To promote individual and collective responsibility of all officers in the management of HIV and AIDS and other medical conditions.

Where feasible and practicable, medical and psycho-social support interventions will be offered to infected and affected employees and their families (as defined in the General Orders).

Impact objectives

 To educate officers of their rights, benefits and obligations in respect of their HIV status and medical conditions.

 To provide an enabling working environment for all officers through the establishment and review of policies and procedures.  To develop and implement a management guide to cover, recruitmnet, placements, training, promotions :

Impact obj. cont

 To establish a systematic Human Resource management and planning systems, policies and procedures i.e succession planning and career development strategies.  To strengthen the capacity of Human Resource officers in data collection, monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the Wellness Program.

Institutional arrangements



The PSHACC committee comprises of the Deputy Army Commander ,Under Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, Deputy Heads Of Department And Leaders Of Government Staff Associations

ministerial Wellness structures

  Under Secretary (Administration) (chair)  a Wellness Coordinator,  Human resource officer  staff association representative  representatives from all departments.

Indicators for PSHACC



Reduced Absenteeism due to chronic illnesses including HIV/AIDS.



Reduced number of retirements on medical grounds



Reduced number of deaths due to chronic illnesses including HIV/AIDS.

Evidence on Conditions affecting workers

 HIV/AIDS  Alcohol abuse  Mental health  Chronic illnesses i.e diabetes  Depression  Identity crisis  Financial crisis

PSHAC ; Pressing Forward.. A Healthy And Productive Public Service

Successful activities undertaken

 10 departmental wellness policies developed and launched  5 awaiting launch  Monthly motivational sessions conducted  Training of wellness coordinators, committee members and peer educators  Monthly mobile testing and screening services provided

Successful activities undertaken

 PSHACC support groups formed  Wellness Corners established  Wellness Campaigns  Research and evaluation study by ILO  Partnerships and funding

Challenges

 Employment act ,Human resources policies and procedures  Management buy in  Funding  Health Services Delivery  PMS  Reforms

Mobile tests