A multi-sectorial committee in directing HIV/AIDS-specific interventions in the occupational setting: An example from South Africa

We present a descriptive analysis of a mechanism to coordinate and implemen t human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and care in the occupationa l setting. The mechanism we describe is a multidisciplinary committee compo sed of stakeholders in the occupational health environment including unions , management, medical researchers, and medical personnel. The site chosen f or the analysis was a South African sugar mill in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The factory is situated in an area of high HIV seroprevalence and has a workfor ce of 400 employees. The committee was initiated to coordinate a combined p revention-care initiative. The issues that were important in the formation of the committee included confidentiality, trust, and the traditional roles of the stakeholder relationships. When these points were addressed through the focus on a common goal, the committee was able to function in its role as a coordinating body. Central to this success was the inclusion of all s takeholders in the process, including those with traditionally opposing, in terests and legitimacy conferred by the stakeholders. This committee was fu nctionally effective and demonstrated the benefit of a freestanding committ ee dedicated to addressing HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) i ssues. We describe the implementation and feasibility of a multisectoral co mmittee in directing HIV/AIDS initiatives in the occupational setting in ru ral South Africa.