Exploring Church - Business Cooperation:
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA Responding to the EVANGELIES LUTHERSE KERK IN DIE REPUBLIEK VAN NAMIBIË
!Gâi-=hôa Kerkib Lutheri dib Namibiab !na - Ongerki jEvangeli ja Luther mu Namibia HIV/AIDS Challenge
A German - Southern African Agenda - 21 - Project 28 - 30 March 2004 Kempton Park Johannesburg South Africa Contents The Conference „Responding to the HIV/AIDS Challenge“ - a Summary -
1 The Conference Editorial 1 The Programme 3 The Opening Oberkirchenrat Dr. Ulrich Möller 7 Ambassador Anna-Margareta Peters 10 2 Business Responses on HIV/AIDS Tracy King 1 Jenny Terwin 4 Prof. Jan du Toit 7 3 Church Responses on HIV/AIDS Bishop Dr. Zephania Kameeta 1 Bishop Dr. N. Peter Phaswana 5 Prof. Russel Botman 8 Fr. Gary Thompson 10 4 Best Practise Stephen Lee Blakeman 1 Dr. Joe Ramashapa 5 Fr. Stefan Hippler 9 Dr. Spiwo Xapile, Mrs. Zethu Xapile 11 Vuyani Jacobs 13 5 The Road Ahead International Steering Committee 1 6 Appendix - Namibia 1 country profile HIV/AIDS data
- South Africa 3 country profile HIV/AIDS data
7 Glossary 1 8 Impressum 3 111 The Conference Editorial The Programme The Opening Editors Oberkirchenrat Dr.Ulrich Möller Ambassador Anna-Margareta Peters Exploring Church – Business Cooperation: Responding to the HIV/ AIDS Challenge: A German – Southern African Agenda 21 Project - Editorial -
The background and the intentions of the conference and the documentation – some hints for the use of the publication
„South Africa faces one of the world’s severest HIV/ AIDS epidemics. The epidemic holds economic consequences for South Africa.“ So Jenny Terwin, Bureau for Economic Research, who recently published a study on the impact of HIV/AIDS on business in South Africa. South Africa has the severest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world: this effects the growing economical sector as well as the market in South Africa and the whole SADC region. Due to the drastic developments of the pande- mic the business sector is more and more challenged to start with intervention programmes, with care and help programmes for their own employees and with a stronger dedication of the whole company to work on this challenge nationwide. While it seems that the business world started only in the last years to worry and to act, churches and church organisations, as well as some NGOs do have much longer experiences on HIV/ AIDS work.
And on the other hand experiences of Uganda or Brazil are in- dicating that a common approach from all sectors of the socie- ty is the most powerful one and more effective than all the different single approaches, which are often sticking on contra- dicting views. Searching for a common answer to the chal- lenge of HIV/AIDS in a world, where every human being be- longs to different sectors of life, eg. the economical sector, the family, the tradition and culture, seems to be the task of today.
Therefore the project and the conference were designed in a way that business and church could meet, could exchange ex- periences and questions concerning concepts and needs being increasingly confronted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Success stories were told and shared. Challenges were dropped like the story Bishop Phaswana told of a young women who said: „I am afraid to disclose my status because my employers have no good words for people living with HIV/AIDS“. 1 The need of the business sector to come to clear, well de- signed and outcome based workplace programmes was the main focus on the agenda in the discussion with partners, men and women from churches as well as universities and NGOs who can offer a dedicated consul-tancy work, concepts for workplace programmes, independent Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) facilities, a clear community approach and networks to the different stakeholders in the regions.
All this needed to be fitted into a concept or a plan or action, which was recently drafted by Prof. du Toit from the Stellen- Business needs clear, well designed work bosch University and Dr. Koegelenberg from the Institute for place programmes: Johannesburg confe- rence with guests from the business sector. Theological & Interdisciplinary Research (EFSA). After the compilation of the programme, the teams in the regions, where companies have indicated their interest, will be composed. The focus in the moment is on Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal. In Namibia a variation of the programme is going to be designed dealing mainly with the tourism sector and the farming sector.
The conference ended with the doubtless assurance, that in the times of HIV/AIDS we can go further and move on from the exploration of church-business cooperation to the es- tablishment of pilot projects. There shouldn’t be much time lost but just to come up with the clear concept and the tasks to the regional teams that meet under the supervision of the group, that compiled the first programme.
The next steps can come under the heading: exploring and experiencing church – business cooperation responding to the challenge of HIV/AIDS.
The documentation of this brochure summerises and displays the discussion and contributions of the Jo’burg conference and offers material for the first discussions in companies as well as in churches and NGOs.
A full documentation of all original texts can be visited on www.the-business-sector-has-aids-too.org, where a German version will be displayed, too.
But the whole project as well as this documentation is dependent on a profound introduction of the program to the companies in staff and management meetings. It is not a kit for any consultancy work as such, but a help for those who are interested in intervention work in companies and in searching for possible programmes and perspectives.
In this regard the documentation of the conference is just the point of departure: reports and information about the first pilot projects have to be added as soon as the first experiences are made and published. Accordingly the form is a file and not a booklet, so that the possibility of adding the next essays is given.
Searching for perspectives: Reverends Kornelia Schauf and Robert Thema.
2 PROGRAMME
Exploring Church - Business Cooperation Responding to the HIV/AIDS Challenge A German - Southern African Agenda 21 Project
28 - 30 March 2004, The Kempton Park Conference Centre, Johannesburg http://www.johannesburg-venues.co.za/ kempton_park_conference_centre.htm or: http://www.kpcc.co.za/about.htm (15 minutes from Johannesburg Airport)
SUNDAY 28 March
15h00-18h00 Arrival of participants that are traveling from outside Johannesburg, A shuttle service is available from the Airport to the Conference venue
18h00 – 18h45 Dinner
19H00 – 20H00 The worker – a member of the Church and a person contributing to business: An introduction into questions and topics that form a perspective of the church for the cooperation with business Rev. Gary Thompson South African Council of Churches (SACC) AIDS Desk
20h00 – 21h00 Informal Evening: meeting one another
3 MONDAY, 29 March
08h30 – 09h00
WELCOME
Dr. Ulrich Möller, Ms. Elke Wieja Evangelical Church of Westphalia/ Evangelical Church in the Rhineland – Germany
Dr. Renier Koegelenberg EFSA Institute for Theological and Interdisciplinary Research A BUSINESS RESPONSE on HIV/AIDS
09h00 – 09h30 HIV/AIDS challenges the business sector: The strengths and needs of HIV/AIDS Workplace Programs Mr. Bradley Mears/Ms. Tracy King South African Business Coalition against HIV/AIDS (SABCOHA)
09h30 – 10h00 HIV/AIDS and the costs for the Business sector Ms. Jenny Terwin Bureau for Economic Research (BER)
10h00 – 10h30 Best practice models for business Prof. Jan du Toit African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management
10h30 – 11h00 Refreshments
A CHURCH RESPONSE ON HIV/AIDS
11h00 – 11h30 HIV/AIDS challenges the Churches: Strengths and limitations of churches activities – or: why church and business should act together Bishop Dr. Kameeta Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia
Bishop Dr. Phaswana Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa – Central Diocese
11h30 – 12h00 Churches are contributing to HIV/AIDS Workplace Programs – A Southern African and German Agenda 21 Project
12h00 – 12h45 Open discussion
13h00 – 15h00 Lunch
4 MODELS OF CHURCH - BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP
15h00 – 15h30 Church-Business partnership in a mining area: Project: Tapologo–Rustenburg Bishop Kevin Dowling/Steve Blakeman Catholic Diocese, Rustenburg Representative: Impala Platinum Mine, Rustenburg
15h30-16h00 Tasks of the churches in the business – Analysis of Workplace policies by the Lutheran Community in Southern Africa (LUCSA) Case study Dr. Moyo Executive Director of LUCSA
Dr. Tshi Neluheni Chairperson of the LUCSA HIV/AIDS Advisory Committee
16h00 – 16h30 Refreshments
16h30-17h00 Project: Hope – Cape Town: A Church-Business Partnership changes the business environment and establishes HIV/AIDS Programs Rev. Stefan Hippler German Catholic Congregation, Cape Town
Mr. Stefan Braun CEO: Arabella Country Estate, South Africa
17h00 – 17h30 Church-Business partnership in an urban setting: Project: Z L Zwane – Guguletu Dr. S. & Mrs. Z. Xapile Presbyterian Church, Cape Town Representative: Spoornet, Johannesburg
17h30-18h00 Facing the challenges of HIV/AIDS together: Co-operation of the Namibian Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS and the Evangelical Lutheran Church AIDS Programme Mr. Peter van Wyk Namibian Business Coalition on AIDS (NABCOA),
Rev. Wilfred Diergaardt Evangelical Lutheran AIDS Programme (ELCAP), Namibia
18h00 – 18h30 Open Discussion
18h45 – 20h00 Dinner
5 20h00 – 20h30 The challenge of the HIV/AIDS pandemic to the Church and Business Prof. R. Botman President: South African Council of Churches (SACC)
20h30-20h45 Evening blessing Dr. M. Tsele General Secretary South African Council of Churches (SACC)
TUESDAY, 30 March
09h00 – 10h30 Exploring church business cooperation in times of HIV/AIDS Steps for an implementation of a HIV/AIDS Awareness Programm Input from the preparatory committee - Discussion Steps for an implementation of a HIV/AIDS Workplace policy Meeting possible partners Group discussions ….
10h30 - 11h00 Refreshments
11h00 – 12h00 The road ahead: What can we do together? – Reflections on the workshop and the Agenda 21 Project – A panel discussion - Business Coalitions against AIDS - Business Sector - TAC/COSATU - Churches in Southern Africa - Churches in German
12h00-12h30 Time for meeting each other, agreements …
12h30-13h30 Lunch and Departure
6 Oberkirchenrat Dr. Ulrich Möller Evangelical Church of Westfalia, Germany
Opening Address
Honourable Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Mrs. Anna-Margareta Peters, Distinct Representatives of companies from Southern Africa as well as from Germany, Bishops, Church Representatives, HIV/AIDS-Experts. Dear Participants and Guests of the First Conference on Church – Business Cooperation in the times of AIDS.
On behalf of the inviting churches let me greet you and open this conference with the watchword (Herrnhuter Losung) of Specific solutions for the well-beeing of today: everyone: Dr. Ulrich Möller Watchwords for Monday, March 29, 2004
Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up; Yet they have not prevailed against me. Psalm 129:2 (NASB-u)
[We are] ...persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed... 2 Corinthians 4:9 (NASB-u)
Often HIV/AIDS is understood as a power, as the huge chal- lenge that seems to fight against nations, against families, societies, the church and the individual human being. Feeling to be struck down, desperate, hopeless; hearing year after year the new numbers and observing statistics changing only very slightly to the better. But often we are just overwhelmed by the other numbers indicating worst scenarios here, in Asia and in Eastern Europe.
But you know all these feelings, experiences and all the stories of men, women and children being infected or affected by HIV/ AIDS much better than I do.
Although the HIV-prevalence rate in Germany fortunately remains by 0.1%, we learnt from our partners, brothers and sisters in Southern Africa how touchy, how important, how essential the concern for HIV/AIDS is for a nation, for churches, for the political field and specially also for the economic sector.
Examples from Uganda and Brazil taught us, that only a 7 comprehensive approach run by all stakeholders in a region might achieve changes and improvements, and a reduction of the rate of new infections.
On the other hand we all as churches and individuals have been linked in solidarity to many men and women in Southern Africa fighting for the end of Apartheid. Therefor we learnt directly and indirectly about their circumstances and troubles. One of the troubles might be that there isn’t much communication between the church and the economical sector. Landeskirchenrätin Elke Wieja, Evangelical And if there was communication, the churches mainly Church in the Rhineland approached the business sector in two ways: - either in expressing what they would see as their prophetic role, therefore mainly in a critical approach of confronting and challenging business - or rather by asking the business to contribute financially to programs and projects the church is involved in – with other words: approaching business in the role of potential sponsors. Our joint responsibility and challenge regarding HIV/AIDS, however, requires a new quality of joint venture between business and church. We are asked to reconsider our respective images of one another, to enter a new way of co-operation. This is why we are here. And this is, what the theme of our conference is all about:
„Exploring Church - Business Cooperation: Responding to the HIV/AIDS Challenge“
This is indeed a task and a challenge in this framework of Agenda 21, where we all are called to go new steps towards a common future, steps which can be unusual but worth to try.
And that’s exactly the point where we are here: we took up our information and knowledge, the questions and wishes of our partners, the experiences of the Anti - AIDS programmes in churches and NGOs and started to establish a programme together with our partners that we called „The business sector has AIDS, too“.
Aims and objectives were focused on the needs and abilities of our church partners: getting more access to the world of business. Coming up with a comprehensive approach facing the HIV/AIDS pandemic from all sectors of the society, where churches and business are huge factors.
So we started to go out of our head-offices and institutions and we went to companies having their main offices in NRW (North Rhine Westphalia) talking about the needs and challenges of a HIV/AIDS work-place policy for a company. In this regard we began to introduce the new church - business cooperation in the framework of work-place policies and HIV/AIDS pro- grammes etc.
Therefore, on behalf of the Protestant Churches in the Federal State of North-Rhine-Westfalia, Germany, the Protestant Church in the Rhineland (EKiR), The Protestant Church of Westphalia (EKvW) and the Protestant Church of Lippe (LLK) as well as
8 on behalf of our partners in Southern Africa, namely the South African Council of Churches (SACC), the Lutheran Communion of Churches in Southern Africa (LUCSA) and the Ecumenical Foundation of Southern Africa (EFSA) once again: Welcome to everyone in this conference, which we hope to be the point of departure to develop the first HIV/AIDS workplace programme pilot - projects as joint venture between church and companies in Southern Africa.
A chorus in Namibia says: „together we can make it ….“ – And that’s our hope and wish, that together we will find specific Partner of the programme: Dr. Renier Koe- gelenberg from the Institute for Theological solutions for specific companies in their region for the well-being & Interdisciplinary Research (EFSA). of everyone.
Together we may find ways and means that not only destruction is around us, but that there could be places and moments, where committed people are starting a committed programme.
In this sense we wish the whole conference successful and blessed deliberations, talks and discussions. I thank you very much for your readiness exploring together new ways of cooperation. May God bless this conference!
9 Ambassador Anna-Margareta Peters Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Pretoria/South Africa
Word of Greetings
Many warm greetings to the conference on church-business cooperation in times of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The embassy is recognizing that business focuses more and more on questions around HIV/AIDS. It was mentioned as one of the essential questions when Chancellor Schröder was visiting with a huge business group South Africa recently. We do have companies, German companies with a clear HIV/AIDS policy and we have churches and church projects with a distinct HIV/ AIDS component or which are mainly focusing only on HIV/ AIDS like the HOPE Project, which is closely linked to the On the logo the ribbon is bigger than the globe - it´s carring: catholic church as well as the German chamber of commerce Ambassador Anna-Margareta Peters. and industry in Cape Town. So the German business and German pastors ... are already active. I remember a contribution at the world Summit in Rio, where people said: „Just because we are poor, are black, living in an environment far from you, that does not mean that we are nothing for you“. – This we feel when you as churches from Germany and churches from Southern Africa are joining hands with the business sector here and in North Rhine Westphalia. There is no change than that one we can do. And this unites us. First when I received your invitation and your material I was shocked: The Red Ribbon is bigger than the globe – this is striking me at the first glance. But than I saw its caring and carrying embracing, helping character and I felt better. And this I understand as the background for your consultation here. I wish you all the best for your deliberations and discussions as well as for the whole project.
10 222 Business Responses on HIV/AIDS
Tracey King Jenny Terwin Prof. Jan du Toit Tracey King
The South African Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (SABCOHA)
SABCOHA was established in December 1997 and was registered as a Section 21 company in May 2001.
To date 34 sponsors have either donated funds or sponsorship in-kind.
Vision of SABCOHA is
to mobilize and empower South African Business to take Empower South African Business to act: effective action on HIV/AIDS in the workplace and beyond. Tracey King Mission
In order to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on sustained profitability and economic growth, SABCOHA will lead: In establishing a network of high quality information and best practices, and In the building of sustainable partnerships between the private sector and other stakeholders.
The structure of SABCOHA as a body dealing and working on behalf of companies, who are looking for consultancies in times of HIV/AIDS is displayed in the following graph:
PATRONS Dr Bongani Khumalo Judge Edwin Carneron
BOARD OF GOVERNORS 12 Governors
CEO/SABCOHA office
STEERING COMMITTTEE Stakeholders & other interested parties
SABCOHA-Structur
1 Several national and international partners are supporting SABCOHA:
Companies, business in South Africa Some Chambers of Commerce and Industry The Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS Several NGOs etc.
One of the recent activities of SABCOHA is the compilation of a toolkit, which assists business introducing HIV/AIDS information and awareness in the companies. The aim is to offer some help to smaller and medium size enterprises (50 - 200 employees). The basis framework for the kit is taken from Unilever & Standard Bank’s existing programs.
It is a step by step guide assisting companies running their own work-place programmes. The SME Toolkit kit has the following contents
1. Management Pathway (general overview) 2. Steering Committee Guide 3. Champion’s Reference manual 4. HIV & AIDS Program Introduction & Management Guide 5. General information and brochures (DoH) 6. Video 7. FAQ’s
SABCOHA’s interest and plans for the future are to build up a ressource center – addressing the following points:
Establish a platform and network of expertise Create a centre that will assist the private sector to develop the appropriate infrastructure to address HIV/AIDS in the work-place and the society at large.
Therefore the future key aspects of the work of SABCOHA can be summarized as follows:
Move to be the singular organization representing business on HIV/AIDS Increase sustainability & grow capacity Develop sub-regional links with SADC HIV/AIDS Councils, including NEPAD campaigning. Conduct on-going research within the private sector to survey gaps Strengthen partnerships
In the discussion of Tracey King’s contribution the focus was lead on her last point: empowering and strengthening partner- ships: here churches and business and the Business Coalition can come together: The toolkit like any intervention program needs skilled facilitators and here the churches can offer men and women with experience in HIV/AIDS work.
Strenthen partnerships: the conference „Responding to the HIV/AIDS challenge“.
2 Contact details:
Physical Postal Level B1 P O Box 950 158 Jan Smuts Parklands Rosebank 2121 Gauteng Gauteng Republic of South Africa Republic of South Africa
Contact: Tracey King Tel: 27 11 880 4821 Fax: 27 11 880 6084 Email: [email protected] www.sabcoha.co.za
Contact Details
3 Jenny Terwin Bureau for Economic Research (BER), South Africa
The Impact of HIV/AIDS for Financing Business
43% of the companies questioned in 2003 by the Bureau are indicating that in 5 years time they do expect a significant impact of HIV/AIDS on the business, while 9% are seeing the severe or significant consequences already now.
% of companies reporting that HIV/AIDS is having a significant adverse impact on business
50% 43% Significant impact of HIV/AIDS on the bus- 40% iness: Jenny Terwin
30%
20%
9% 10%
0% Current impact Expected impact in 5 year's time
This is one of the main results of a study done by the Bureau of Economic Research for SABCOHA on the basis of more than thousand responses from companies.
Under those who responded the figures about the HIV/AIDS awareness and policy building in companies are differing a lot: 26% have an AIDS policy 41% a HIV/AIDS awareness programme 18% a VCT programme 13 % a HIV/AIDS care, support and treatment programme 6% Provision of Antiretroviral therapy (ARVT) at the work- place
Despite the different approaches towards HIV/AIDS and despite the more striking expectations for the companies in 5 years time already now many companies were reporting some impacts – as the slide (% of companies reporting that HIV/AIDS has the following impacts) indicates: many companies see financial cuts due to HIV/AIDS
4 (absenteeism, less productivity, higher benefit costs for the company etc.). The survey shows that depending on regions in South Africa and on the business sector the numbers are varying as well as the estimation how severe the problem is or might be. But the fact remains that there is an impact, that cannot be neglected by any company or institution.
In the survey the impact of AIDS on labour demand was questioned: 39% indicated that HIV/AIDS increases their demand for labor (e.g. via work shadowing or replacement of AIDS sick workers). Only 12% indicated that their demand for labor has been negatively affected. 18% indicated that they foresee appointing extra employees (work shadowing) to compensate for the impact of HIV/AIDS on labor productivity, absenteeism and mortality. 14% reported that they were investing in machinery or equipment to reduce their dependence on labor.
% of companies reporting that HIV/AIDS has had the following impacts:
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
Lower labour productivity / increased absenteeism
Higher employee benefit costs
Higher labour turnover rates
Loss of experience and vital skills
Higher recruitment and training costs
Small impact Moderate impact La r ge impa ct
This indicates that companies are increasing their labour force on different levels in order to minimize the consequences of the losses due to HIV/AIDS. Further the study shows that the 74% of the companies who were part of the survey, do indicate with a clear „No“ that the higher costs due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic can be passed on, so that customers have to pay higher prizes for goods or services. Only 8% said „Yes“, this we can do. These macro economic factors have to be acknowledged, too, as well as the question how competitive the products and services are, if due to HIV/AIDS the production costs will raise.
The intention of the Bureau is to work dedicated further for the next 10 years, so that awareness is created in the business sector, too. And perhaps the most important factor is: to make HIV/AIDS to a bottom life issue, where no one can close his or her eyes. The Bureau of Economic Research works closely together with SABCOHA in the field of HIV/AIDS. The Bureau offers the 5 research skills and expertise, while SABCOHA stands in direct contact to the companies offering consultancies and help to the respective companies.
SABCOHA (011) 880 4821 www.redribbon.co.za
BER www.ber.sun.ac.za (021) 887 2810
Further information: http://www.ber.sun.ac.za/downloads/2003/aids/ sabcoha_presentation10dec03.pdf
6 Prof. Jan du Toit African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management in the world of Work at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
The Management of HIV/AIDS in the World of Work: A Managerial Response
In the African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management in the world of Work at the University of Stellenbosch managers, people, co- workers, who had been sent by companies, are trained for running HIV/AIDS awareness programmes, writing workplace programmes and policies and managing the responses of the respective companies towards the challenge of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Based on this experience 10 hints are given for responding to the question: what is a best (good) practice.
A training course on HIV/AIDS at the Stellen- bosch university: Prof. Jan du Toit. 1. Top management should see HIV/AIDS of strategic importance and it should be managed from the Executive board.
2. The leadership role of the CEO is vital in the maintenance of a programme. HIV/AIDS should be a permanent point on the agenda of the management board.
3. A multidisciplinary team with participation from human resources, union representatives, medical practitioners and management need to be appointed to drive this process under the chairmanship of a senior member of the management board.
4. Develop a policy that has the blessing of the top manage- ment and that is developed in consultation with the employees, trade unions and the communities the workers come from.
5. Undertake a KAP study prior to implementing an awareness or education campaign. A workplace based Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) study needs to be done to determine the level of knowledge and the attitudes of the workforce.
6. It is only after the KAP study that a comprehensive awareness and education campaign can be launched taking 7 into consideration the results found in the study.
7. Launch a voluntary counseling and testing programme.
8. Implement a treatment programme for infected staff and their family members.
9. Form partnerships with local doctors and community structures where the employees normally go for consultation.
10.Implement an active community outreach programme to the communities where the workers come from.
The facts are indicating worst scenarios for Sub - Saharan Africa:
70% of the world’s infection in 10% of the world’s population. 80% of the world’s HIV-positive women are in Africa.
The structure of the virus is different: while in KwaZulu Natal a case was reported that a person only lived 18 months from the infection, in the USA one can find people living for more than 20 years with the virus.
The academical (and practical) response from the African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management is a sixth-folded training course with lots of practical experiences and various lectures from a more theoretical and a more practical background. Here an overview of the course content: An academic (practical) response A best (good) practice
Course 1: The Problem of HIV/AIDS
Unit 1: The HIV/AIDS epidemic 1. Biology and natural history of the virus 2. Determinants of HIV & Surveillance of HIV
Unit 2: The general macro-economic impact of HIV/AIDS 3. The global, African, SADC and South African HIV/ AIDS/STI epidemics 4. The Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Economic Sector 5. The Impact of HIV/AIDS on the health, education and Welfare sector globally 6. The Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Labour sector
Course 2: Socio-cultural aspects of HIV/AIDS
Unit 1: Socio-cultural aspect 7. The role of culture in the HIV/AIDS epidemic 8. HIV/AIDS: fear, stigma and Isolation 9. Sexuality and gender inequality 8 Unit 2: Migration and Poverty 10. Migration and HIV/AIDS 11. How poverty contributes to HIV/AIDS and how HIV/ AIDS contributes to poverty
Course 3: HIV/AIDS Policy and Advocacy
Unit 1: Legal Framework & Organizational Practices Regarding the Employment of Workers with HIV/AIDS 12. Legal framework & organizational practices regarding the employment of workers with HIV/AIDS
Unit 2: A labour relations perspective on HIV/AIDS 13. Joint problem solving 14. Communication
Unit 3: Principles of policy development 15. Principles and process of policy development
Unit 4: The Process and Policy Content of an HIV/AIDS Policy 16. The process 17.1 Challenges in the development and implementation of an HIV/AIDS policy 17.2 Tools for the development and implementation of an HIV/AIDS workplace policy
Course 4: Prevention and Care for People Living with HIV/AIDS
Unit 1: Strategies for Prevention and care 18. Strategies for prevention 19. Workplace and community 19.1 Introduction 19.2 Life skills training 19.3 Peer group education 19.4 Focus groups
Unit 2: Therapeutic Management of HIV/AIDS 19.1: Introduction of Module 20.2: Virology and Pharmacotherapy of HIV 20.3: Treatment of Opportunistic Infections (OI) 20.4: Clinical trials, vaccine development and microbicides 20.5: Drug adherence, pharmacovigilance and resistance 20.6: The challenges of drug access 20.7: Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission (MTCT)
Unit 3: Care for People Living with HIV/AIDS 21. The role that Faith Based Organizations can play in the care for people living with HIV/AIDS 22. Nutrition and HIV/AIDS
9 Course 5: Management in the era of HIV/AIDS
Unit 1: A business perspective on HIV/AIDS 23.1 What is strategic human resource management? 23.2 Human resource strategy and business strategy 23.3 Strategic human resource management and the environment 23.4 Job analysis and job design 23.5 Human resource planning 23.6 Recruiting employees 23.7 Selecting employees 23.8 Orientation and employee training
Unit 2: An individual perspective on HIV/AIDS 24.1 The individual: differences and behaviour 24.2 The psychological contract 24.3 Careers
Unit 3: Social Responsibility & Ethics 25. Social responsibility 26. Ethics
Course 6: Research, Monitoring and Evaluating of HIV/AIDS programmes
Unit 1: Research Methodology 27.1 What is science and approaches to using the scientific method 27.2 Problem identification, hypothesis formulation and experimental research design 27.3 Understanding research results
Unit 2: Community/Organization mobilization 28. How to mobilize an organization or community
Unit 3: Impact Prediction 29. AIM-B Model
When the curricula was designed in 2000 first 80 students attended the course, now 350 students are enrolled from 44 countries; the average age of the students is 40 years. The biggest group of students is coming from the educational sector. The course is run in cooperation with Medunsa (the Medical University of South Africa, Pretoria).
Not only those who are trained and coming back to their companies but every business entity and church knows by now: whilst not everyone in South Africa will be infected, everyone will be affected.“
For further information: http://www.aidscentre.sun.ac.za/about.html 10 333 Church Responses on HIV/AIDS Bishop Dr. Zephania Kameeta Bishop Dr. N. Peter Phaswana Prof. Russel Botman Fr. Gary Thompson Bishop Dr. Zephania Kameeta Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN)
HIV/AIDS Challenges the Churches: Strengths and Limitations of Churches´ Activities – or: Why Church and Business should act together
After nearly 20 years since the first person was identified with the disease in my country the HIV/AIDS epidemic is still increasing at an alarming rate, and not showing any signs of leveling-off. Therefore we still experience that many active, productive and committed citizens and members of the church fraternity are cut down in the prime of their lives. We are confronted with decreased life-expectancy. There is a drop in productivity due to absenteeism, death or early retirement. Costs increase due to the need to increase the size of the labour force to compensate. This leads to increased wages, funeral and health costs. The impact on society at large means fewer and poorer customers, Creating an effective programme: Bishop with less disposable income. A decrease in the profitability of the Dr. Zephania Kameeta. private sector has an impact on economic growth in the country.
The ELCRN experience
The church community is very influential in most sectors of society, and as such has the ability to communicate messages on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and care to a substantial audience. However, until fairly recently, the churches have been slow to react and respond to the magnitude of the crisis. There has been the perception that „AIDS talk doesn’t belong in the church“. There are some very conservative people who are offended by bringing issues of sexuality into the church.
However, the communities at large express a deep desire to see more serious involvement of the church. This was expressed in meaningful quotes from numerous people interviewed during a study conducted on the church involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS, eg.: „Churches have a strong role to play in de- stigmatizing this disease, not condemning those affected but offering them support, solidarity and solace.“ And „All churches were so strong in fighting Apartheid. Now we have a worse enemy, where is the commitment nowadays?“ and „The Body of Christ, the people of the church are sick. The situation is worsening. We have to centre ourselves, our thinking and planning, on God’s concern for life. Churches need to put a spoke in the wheel of HIV/AIDS.“
1 Policy
Few churches have a specific stated policy or mission statement concerning HIV/AIDS strategy. There is need for churches to de- velop a strategy with which to deal with HIV/AIDS. The church has the benefit of human resources and a vocation to „be Christ to each other“. The church also has infra-structure and networks that extend from grass - roots to the international community. It has credibility as it is often the most consistent structure to be found in any village. By using the existing structures within the church, it automatically reaches a very wide audience. Use key resource people to provide correct and up-to-date information. People living with HIV/AIDS have their own testimonies that can be very powerful in addressing stigma, particularly amongst church members!
Network with key players
There was a period that the National AIDS Control Programme did not work as closely with the churches as it should, but this situation improved with the II Medium Term Plan for HIV/AIDS. This process could benefit not only employees of the company but also their families, their customers and communities surrounding the workplace. Several national and regional associations within the Namibian business community, e.g. the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry are interested in playing a role in bringing the business sector together to fight AIDS in the country. Use these organizations!
Advocacy
The church has a moral obligation to raise its voice on behalf of its members. There is need to advocate for the translation of commitment into concrete strategies and actions, against fac- tors that drive the epidemic (gender issues, negative cultural issues, poverty), for the establishment of voluntary counselling and testing centers, for equal and affordable access to ant i- retroviral therapy, beginning with the prevention of mother - to - child transmission, and on Children’s Rights and Entitlements that are not being met, in contravention to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Namibia is a signatory.
Poverty Alleviation Programmes
Churches could respond, in a proactive way, to mitigate against the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS through micro-finance/ micro-credit schemes and income generating programmes, with guidance from experts in these fields.
Orphans
This is the most neglected area that deserves considerably more attention. There was a limited sense of urgency about response to this unfolding crisis, perhaps because of the adequate functioning of the extended family. There is need to proactively and urgently prepare for the onslaught of vast numbers of children who will be in need of care. Community based care models need to be developed as orphanages will never be
2 sufficient in number, nor will they be sustainable or culturally appropriate to meet the need. Strategies to be developed to meet the needs of children should encompass four major areas: build awareness, extend the life of the parent-child relationship through all appropriate means, help prepare the family for transition and ensure the child’s future and provide sufficient psychosocial support.
Strengths
In response to the increasing HIV epidemic in Namibia with a current prevalence rate of 23.3% the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia AIDS Programme (ELCAP) was established by a resolution of the ELCRN Synod in 1999. At that time, the ELCRN determined that a comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS should be undertaken with focus on caring and counselling for persons infected with HIV/AIDS, special care and support of orphans and families affected by HIV/AIDS, pre- vention of HIV/AIDS through awareness raising and education, outreach to all congregations, institutions, farms, communal and mining areas where the ELCRN exists and beyond, and networ- king with existing organizations to accomplish these goals. The ELCAP programme was launched in July 2001 at ELCAP’s national office in Rehoboth. After three years we have developed: training, e.g. training of trainers in home-based care, counselling, and community mobilization home-based care training for congregational groups, and counselling training for pastors and psycho-social support training and counselling for other church co-workers and peer - education training
technical and financial assistance, e.g. technical assistance on HIV/AIDS-related activities and proposal writing to congrega-tions, and financial support for AIDS Committee community-based initiatives and for Youth Club community - based initiatives
humanitarian assistance, e.g. provision of school fees, uniforms, and exam fees to orphans and vulnerable children, additional food and other material assistance to needy clients
Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT): As part of ELCAP’s overall strategy to reduce HIV/AIDS, a VCT centre opened in March 2004 at the ELCAP Centre in Rehoboth, working together with several partners. Another VCT centre will be opened in Mariental during April 2004.
Youth HIV-Prevention Project: ELCAP, along with the ELCRN Youth Desk and Desk for Social Development will be working on a joint programme with others to address HIV- prevention among youth. This programme could reach 60% of Namibia’s youth with a comprehensive HIV-prevention programme.
Planned Programmes: ELCAP plans to initiate the following programmes depending on factors such as funding and staff capacity: Because HIV/AIDS particularly affects families, ELCAP is in the process of developing a family education programme. A development meeting was held in August 2003
3 with experts to outline a training curriculum and identify existing resources. ELCAP will also be working to identify other social development services for vulnerable women and children including poverty reduction and social support initiatives. We also would like to initiate a pilot rehabilitation project among sex workers in the Erongo region.
Limitations
In resource limited settings, with the magnitude of the impact of this disease there are real challenges that limit an effective response by the church. Both church and the business in Southern Africa, and in particular in South Africa and Namibia, have a God-given responsibility towards their members and their employees infected and affected by this disease. Real partner- ships are needed. Instead of companies donating money, a partnership could be developed whereby the particular skills and resources of each side could be used for creating an effective programme.
4 Dr. N. Peter Phaswana Bishop of the Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa
HIV/AIDS Challenges the Churches: Strengths and Limitations of Churches Activities - or: Why Church and Business should act together
Introduction
„I am afraid to disclose my status because my employers have no good words for people living with HIV/AIDS.“ These are the words uttered by a lady who was struggling with the idea of disclosing her HIV status and yet she is afraid that she will be retrenched. She is forced to live a hypocritical life because the factory owners are always negative about HIV/AIDS.
This attitude is found in the church as well. Many congregants or parishioners are afraid to disclose their HIV status to their The church is faced with a great challenge spiritual leaders because of fear of isolation and ostracism. by this pandemic: Bishop Dr. N. Peter Phas- Some shameful stories are told about pastors who discriminate wana. against people living with HIV and AIDS. They may refuse to bury People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) or to minister to them effectively without passing a judgment.
Fear contributes to rendering ineffective ministering to PLWHAs.
The church is faced with a great challenge posed by this pandemic. Our country is still divided into first and third worlds. There is a strong belief in witchcraft that hampers the treatment of those infected by this virus that causes AIDS. Following are some of the myths that must be dispelled if the rolling out of the Antiretrovirals (ARVs) is to be effective.
Myths that must be dispelled about AIDS/HIV
Myth: HIV/AIDS is not an African disease This argument is baseless and devoid of any scientific proof. Aids does not respect any racial group.
Myth: HIV/AIDS is a problem of homosexuals This myth was nourished by the fact that HIV/AIDS was first diagnosed amongst the gay group in San Francisco in USA. In 5 actual fact the majority of Africans who are PLWHAs are heterosexuals. It infects and affects both, hetero- and homo- sexuals, even kids who have never slept with any one may be born HIV positive if their mothers are HIV positive.
Myth: HIV/AIDS is a problem of prostitutes or sex workers There is no guarantee that if you are not a sex worker you’ll not be infected by the HIV - the virus that causes AIDS.
Myth: Virgin cure There is a strong myth flying around in South Africa viz., virgin cure. It is believed that if the PLWHAs make love to a virgin he will be cured of the virus. This prescription was affirmed by one traditional healer who was interviewed by sister Hanna Steffens in June 2003 in Mpumalanga. The traditional healer pleaded ignorance of the consequences of her prescription. The rise of child rape in South Africa may be understood in this context. The reality of the matter is that HIV/AIDS has no cure yet. Sexual intercourse with a virgin does not provide cure for HIV/AIDS. History shows that at different times of national catastrophies virgin cure was introduced as a relief, like during The Peague in the Middle Ages in Europe. But now -like always- in South Africa the virgin risks her life because she may be infected with HIV. Kids are infected through this barbaric behavior of some HIV - infected men.
Myth: AIDS is God’s punishment meted out to sexual perverts It is true that God punishes sinners out of love. The lepers in the Old Testament were isolated for fear of infecting others and every disease was seen in the light of sin (cf Joshua). Jesus turned the tables upside down when he refuted that theology and gave a positive side of ill - health specifically for that man who was born blind (cf John 9:1 - 3). The author of John wants us to understand and accept the fact that life is a mystery. Pande- mics and natural disasters should be accepted as challenges and opportunities facing the church to live up to its calling in God’s mission.
Myth: Polygamy causes HIV/AIDS The church must state facts and not use fear as a weapon to drive people away from their practices. People must be trusted to make their own but informed decisions. They must accept the fact that they must take responsibility for their own lives.
Myth: Poverty causes HIV/AIDS This is the recent argument that poverty causes HIV/AIDS. Poverty does accelerate the spread of HIV/AIDS for casual and unprotected/unsafe sex becomes the only recreational activity available to the poor. Some women and men use it to improve their meager income. It is believed that unprotected sexual intercourse is more expensive than the protected one. The poor look at the money they have in their hands and forget about the consequences of their choice.
The church and business sector should join hands in imparting life skills to both the infected and the affected members of the community. This may be in a form of assigning PLWHAs a task
6 for example, assembling or polishing parts of the cars at a price. This may be possible for the PLWHAs who meet or are housed at a central point. The current terminology is outsour-cing of certain sections of their business activities.
The challenging role of the church
The Church is called upon to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt 5: 13 & 14). (Unfortunately the church has become a mirror of society). The main purpose of the salt is to flavour and preserve food. There are other usages of salt like melting snow, depending on a particular society. The Church should enliven the life of its community and society at large so that the latter may value human life irrespective of its health status. This is more challenging in Africa were life is valued in terms of its progeny or functionality. In Africa it is important to have children who will perpetuate the family name. Hence a boy - child is more honored than a girl child.
The church should not minor this anthropology but rather expose its strength and weaknesses in the context of the prevalence of this HIV/AIDS pandemic. This is the duty of light viz., to make things seen for what they are not to be beholden on their own. We switch on our torches at night because we want to see the footpath. We do not do it in order to test the strength of its lights. That we do during the day.
The Church does that by being exemplary. Where Church leadership exercises its God´s inspired vision and ministry of presence, PLWHAs get inspired and live for another day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the challenge facing the church and business is that the former has no language of discussing this kind of partnership because of the past history. The business sector should not part with funding without walking hand in glove with the church. Together we will make it.
7 Prof. Russel Botman President of the South African Council of Churches
The Challenge of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic to the Church and Business
The churches of South Africa understood themselves always as an im-portant link between the sphere of home and the sphere of work/business. In this context they established different forms of industrial ministry/mission.
Activist form of industrial mission
Here the leading question was: How could the church support the cause of the workers? It was an active work for the worker – often funded by the ILO. The relation to the companies/ management could be described as critical distance. Prof. Russel Botman: President of the SACC Pastoral form
Here the main focus was to support Christians in the workplace in order to live as Christians and to find pastoral care and counselling where they are.
Weirdest form
The interest here can be summarized with the old form of Christendom: The focus was lying on those who are not Christians. The workplace became a mission place.
After 1994 transformation became the dominant footprint, how we looked at things and how we understood things. We in the church were shocked about the fast speed of trans- formations. What support could the church give to those caught up in the contradictions of the transformation process? Suddenly the question of economy became important again: what is the economy for the people, for those who are searching for work everyday?
Concerning HIV/AIDS the greatest challenge is to overcome our own church concerns. We are called to act, but what kind of God/concept of God could do this? How is God revealed in this situation? It is a hard question of thinking of God infected and affected. Is God absconded from this reality or not – we have to work about the hard question of God. If we do so, then we have dealt with the question of stigma.
8 Despair and de-illusionment a predominant expressions in our societies:
If you look at a person who usually had hope, and if this hope had been beaten by statistics, by news, then the people got disillusioned. Worst case: Despaired people are people with a large amount of hope which they lost by projecting bad figures into the future – and which has to be built up again.
God is a God of hope – and we have a ministry of hope – hope is the only Christian challenge we have. Hope is a deep category of grace connecting different worlds with each other.
The critical part and task is to look at the economy not only in a systemic way but also in the light of hope. Some people might think that the world of work is the only hope that is left. In the message of the God of hope we cannot be disconnected from the real life, also not from the world of work. It is not enough to say that we have to encourage launching work place programmes. But far more we have to say that the God of hope leads us to this commitment and to partnerships.
The Agenda 21 project then will be a programme of hope. I cannot think of a better programme than this cooperation between church and business, and no better partner than Germany – South Africa. Hope is a category of grace. And grace is a reality of this world – and grace calls us to overcome the boundaries between management and workers.
We are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS as well as we are infected and affected by hope.
9 Fr. Gary Thompson South African Council of Churches (SACC), AIDS Desk
The Worker – a Member of the Church and a Person contributing to Business An introduction into questions and topics from a perspective of the church for the cooperation with business
In your deliberations and attempts to forge closer co-operation between business and the church in addressing this devasta-ting pandemic of HIV and AIDS that is wreaking havoc in all sectors of society, I aim to look at the commonality of these two sectors, the church and business, hence the theme and possible areas of cooperation in building a partnership in responding to HIV and AIDS. Both business and the church have the interest of the worker at heart. To business they are the keys in meeting the goals and objectives that would constitute the success thereof and to the church they are integral to its viability. The church is as dependent on the The ignorance about HIV/AIDS contributes worker as any business is. to irresponsible living: Fr. Gary Thompson. The Devastation
We know the statistics, so I would not bore you with figures except to mention that of the 45 million inhabitants an esti- mated 5,3 million are living with HIV. We are the country with the highest rate of infection in the world. Twelve percent of the total population is estimated to be infected with HIV/AIDS. According to the South African National Health Sero-Preva- lence Report 2002, the age group mostly affected is between the ages of 15 and 49, the productive and reproductive men and women in the prime of their lives. Except for the group under twenties, all other age groups reported an increase in prevalence in the 2001 report. The consequences of the in- creased incidents do not only have an impact on the current situation but also paint a gloomy picture for some generations to come. Business is loosing its skilled staff, reducing output and narrowing the profit margins. At the same time churches are loosing their members, receiving less funds for their mi- nistry and adding increasing pressure on their already limited resources, human and financial. If we aim to grow our respec- tive sectors and meet demands, it is incumbent on us to act.
10 Business
Please allow me to quote a few articles from the Business Report of the Star newspaper over the past few months. On December 1st , 2003, it quoted a report from the World Economic Forum’s Global Health Initiative saying that „business (is not) playing a significant role in the fight against HIV and AIDS.“ The article noted the South African companies efforts in pioneering the private sectors’ response and the contribution it would make to the government’s intention of introducing anti- retroviral treatment. The mining sector in particular was mentioned for its provision of drugs to employees.
In a subsequent article on December 11th, it reported on the finding of a national independent survey by the South African Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS (SABCOHA) and the Bureau for Economic Research, in which 1006 firms were interviewed. Nine percent reported an adverse affect on their business due to the HI-Virus. „About 30% of the firms reported higher labour turnover rates, 27% indicated they had lost experience and skills, and 24% incurred recruitment and training cost.“ Only 25% of those surveyed reported to have formal HIV/AIDS policies in place. According to this article it was mostly the larger companies who had policies in place. This report highlights the urgency for action and the concern of the consequences of a lack of action.
The Church
In this context, business is not the only villain; the church is just as guilty of not doing all it can. Although there had been an increase in the number of churches responding to the pandemic we are still a long way from an ideal position. More and more churches are getting on board and more are realising the necessity to respond but many are struggling with moral and ethical issues. The responses from other sectors seem to be compounding some of these difficulties. Far too many are dancing to the tune of funding agencies and in the process loosing their character and values, as church, to meet the obligations of the funding. The funding had become an enticement for the Faith Based Organisations (FBO) to get involved in HIV and AIDS.
The church has also been accused of discriminating against persons living with HIV/AIDS. The church’s ‘legalistic systems’ have prevented many from receiving spiritual support and guidance. Many local church leaders have refused to bury the dead even though this may not have been a policy of the particular denomination.
Anti - retroviral Treatment
One of the most heated and prolonged discussions in recent years was around the provision of anti-retroviral treatment (ART). Initially government argued that among other things it would be too costly to provide drugs for the lifetime of those living with the virus. This is understandable given the nature of this virus and its constant mutation. It also noted people’s
11 undisciplined commitment to taking the drugs and raised concerns about adherence.
Opponents to this view list examples of the Brazilian govern- ment who actually recorded substantial savings after providing generic treatment. Dr Ian Sanne, head of the Wits Health Consortium’s Infectious Diseases Unit, in a Business Report article, 28/3/04 entitled ‘Doing too little, too late is money wasted’ argues that treating a workforce would save the company money. I quote, „Simply put, anti-retroviral treatment costs less than the absenteeism, loss of productivity and disability costs that are incurred as an employee becomes ill when treatment for HIV/AIDS is not available.“
Treatment has a positive-spin off for business and society at large as the social impact is minimised. Workers would live longer and therefore circumvent spiralling costs that employees are currently faced with and the church would continue to minister in a less traumatic environment.
Cooperation
If the church and business share a common interest in the worker and if for the mere viability and succession of our respective operations we are obliged to respond, where do we find the areas of cooperation?
In the nature of business it needs to reduce costs and increase profits. Increased staff turnover and loss of experience and skill militates against this. In the nature of the church the need to care for the marginalized in society would become a burden too heavy to bear. We have to prevent the premature and unnecessary death of the productive and reproductive members of our society. Here exists an opportunity for joint prevention programmes.
The ignorance about HIV and AIDS contributes to irresponsible and reckless living. Far too many believe they cannot or will not be infected by the virus. Joint education programmes would be a viable option.
The social impact of the virus has resulted in moral degene- ration, child abuse, crime, women abuse and communities seem to be in a spirally decay. Partnerships in regenerating communities are sorely needed. Minimising the effects of financial loss to the bereaved families is important for business particularly with regard to the benefits to the worker. The church can assist with the psychological and spiritual support.
The possibilities are endless; the need is creative thinking.
12 444 Best Practise Stephen Lee Blakeman Dr. Joe Ramashapa Fr. Stefan Hippler Dr. Sipho and Zethu Xapile Vuyani Jacobs Stephen Lee Blakeman
Tapologo HIV/AIDS Programme
Tapologo is a Setwana word indicating the focus and the theme of the project. Tapologo means: „A place of peace and rest“. It expresses well the Mission of Tapologo which is guiding the response of this faith-motivated community-based HIV/AIDS Programme.
The project is located in the area around Rustenburg. In the same area Impala Platinum mine is operating. The situation concerning HIV/AIDS is can be described with the AIDS Barometer of South Africa:
A faith-motivated community - based HIV/ +/- 375 670 are expected to die from AIDS this year AIDS programme: Stephen Blakeman. Thus: +/- 1 029 patients per day Or 8.9 people per 1 000 of the population Hence: Local population of 230 000 – that’s the population of Tapologo Programme’s coverage. And consequently it means on the basis of statistics a rate of expected deaths = +/- 2 057 patients per year Or 171 patients per month Or 5.6 patients per day
Brief history
The Role of the Catholic Diocese of Rustenburg for the development of the project
Community Activities (linking to the Catholic Community Structures) Close contact with people – realized HIV/AIDS was reaching pandemic proportions Questions about resources were risen Development of a well-coordinated, holistic programme Sister Georgina Boswell of the Catholic Diocese of Rustenburg has been involved in community health work in the Rustenburg region since 1989. Whilst working in the rural/informal communities she realized that the overburdened local health services are unable to cope with the increased care expectations placed upon them and the patient has, consequently, no place to turn to for assistance or treatment to maintain quality of life and dignity.
In the following some sectors of the programme are going to be introduced with some hints.
1 Freedom Park Clinic
One of the consequences was to build up a clinic where no infrastructure was given: From humble origins based in a temporary corrugated iron structure in the Freedom Park Squatter Camp, the clinic now consists of a series of refurbished containers.
The services that the clinic offers are:
HIV Testing Assist with the treatment of Tuberculosis and other life threatening illnesses General Medical Treatments Treatment of Sexual Transmitted Deaseses (STDs) and Opportunistic Infections (OI’s) Referral of pregnant mothers to the Provincial Hospital for Preventing Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT)
Tapologo Outreach Programme
Objectives of the outreach programme can be summarized as follows: Assist the community in dealing with the dramatic increase in the burden of home based health care due to the prevalence of the disease in the area. Provide counselling services to those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Provide emotional and spiritual support to those living with the disease.
Services, which are offered in the programme: Counselling and emotional Support HIV/AIDS education and awareness Positive Living programme Nutrition programme Support groups Assist the community: the Tapologo Out- reach Programme. Adherence programmes
Human Resources: Outreach Manager 9 Professional Nurses 96 Community Home Caregivers Approx. 1 000 patients
Tapologo Ya Morena Hospice
Objectives: As an extension to the Outreach Programme, this functional hospice facility will provide the necessary care for AIDS patients in the terminal phase of the disease, providing an atmosphere of care and compassion to both patients and their families.
The series of Hospice Modules envisages caring for up to 20 patients each. They will be constructed progressively Care for AIDS patients: the Tapologo according to need. programme in Rustenberg, South Africa. 2 Tapologo Vulnerable and Orphaned Children’s Programme
Community Foster Care The establishment of foster homes in the communities or at the eco-village, offering care to AIDS orphans and children with HIV in a caring home environment is not based on any institutional basis, but is taken up by the community.
Tapologo ya Bana Daycare It comprises of a daycare centre where children who have lost their parents to AIDS, or are infected with the virus, are brought in for the day and given proper nourishment, medical care and educational programmes.
Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) It is very much important to initiate the provision of ART to patients living with HIV/AIDS in a resource limited setting and to provide them with the necessary support mechanisms.
Eco-village Concept An eco-village can be defined as a „human scale, full featured settlement in which human activities are harmlessly integrated into the natural world in a way that is supportive of healthy human development and can be successfully continued into the indefinite future“ (Extract from „Eco-Villages“, the In-Context Institute, Washington, USA)
In other words, a sustainable community of people is living in harmony with the environment and drawing their requirements from the surrounding natural world. (ibid.)
Mission of the Tapologo Partnership with Business
Two sets of strengths: The Church is simply a community of people – its greatest richness and strength.
The Church is present in the remotest rural communities – where Government and other organisations are not.
Partnership: The Church is not endowed with financial resources – this is where the potential for a fruitful partnership with the business sector can be developed exponentially. The Church knows from experience and life what the needs and priorities of particular communities are. The Church and Business Partners can create and develop partnerships which will integrate different partners. A fruitful dialogue with Business Partners can result in relevant programmes and responses being implemented.
What makes Impala mine choose a Christian Based Orgnisation (CBO) as partner?
The Church is a credible and reliable organisation – having honourable intent. History of community based interventions. The Church affords sustainable structures to 3 programmes – has inherent resources. Good community linkages – outside political or quasi- political channels. The Church is an appropriate structure for the delivery of basic care to the terminally ill. The Church has formal internal and external networks that can be accessed to improve the overall care of the individual. Experience in dealing with terminal illnesses.
Why does the Church need Business as a partner?
Financial Resources
Holistic Human Approach Resources
IMPALA Platinum
Advisory Services Infor- mation
The different sectors of intervention of Impala are characte- rising the structure which is interwoven into each other and where the business sector can offer services and means which the community around does not easily have.
So Sister Georgina Boswell concludes: „The future of South Africa relies on the living. Support HIV/AIDS education, awareness and prevention - support our future by ensuring that those who survive the HIV/AIDS pandemic should be empowered through education and skills development.“
And Bishop Kevin Dowling states: „This project is for all people, but especially the most vulnerable in society. It will be ordinary people who will make the difference to this pandemic. The Tapologo Programme seeks to capacitate their response. This is what I believe being „Church“ is all about …“.
Contact details:
Telefax: (014) 573 3403 Cell: 083 631 5489 E-mail: [email protected] Project Manager: Stephen Lee Blakeman Pr Eng
4 Dr. Joe Ramashapa Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA), AIDS Desk
Partnership between LUCSA and Business against HIV and AIDS: the LUCSA Model
1. Background and introduction
LUCSA is an acronym of the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa. It comprises 16 Lutheran churches in Southern Africa. LUCSA is a member of the worldwide Lutheran family and is also affiliated to ecumenical bodies in countries of its operation. We operate as an arm of the member churches.
The spread of HIV and AIDS globally is alarming: no social or economic institution will escape the adverse effects of this epidemic. The church, therefore, cannot work in isolation Participatory plan on HIV/AIDS: Dr. Joe because the disease is too big for any individual institution or Ramashapa. organization to handle it alone. HIV and AIDS have an impact on all aspects of socio-economic systems. Subsequently all social institutions have been challenged to respond to the demands of the disease. The church has responded to the epidemic in a variety of ways. We at LUCSA have mobilized our member churches to work as united front against the disease and its effects.
Study of the rates of HIV infection worldwide indicate the highest prevalence for the young people who, of course, are the major contributors to the labourforce. These workers spend one half of their life in workplace and the other in community. As a result both business and community are affected by the impact of the infection. However, the push and pull demand between business and community continues. And the church finds itself called upon in all walks of life to respond to the cries of its members. This is putting a huge demand on the church and business to go on searching for a partnership in times of HIV and AIDS.
2. LUCSA response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic
LUCSA designed a Strategic Plan for the fight against HIV and AIDS epidemic. This is a participatory strategic plan that had been affirmed and put into use by member churches. One priority of the plan is to provide pastoral and social care to HIV and AIDS infected and affected people. With the infection rate of more than 39 % in some countries in Southern Africa there is a 5 need to take the message to people from all walks of life, paying special attention to social and commercial institutions. In this process breaking the silence around the disease holds a pivotal position of the eventual victory over the disease. However, where the disease has made inroads, a wholesome care is the answer. We have identified the church as the most influential and strategically located institution to make a significant impact in the effort to change people’s attitudes and behaviour. This activity is a necessary component of prevention and care demanded by the HIV and AIDS pandemic.
3. LUCSA model of church - business partnership in South Africa
The model of co-operation we are presenting here has been born out of a need to mobilize a joint effort between LUCSA and business against HIV and AIDS. The idea was mooted at a meeting between LUCSA staff and representatives from Agenda 21 NRW, Germany. The representatives from Germany shared with LUCSA their joint program with the Business Sector in Germany. At the end it was affirmed that we all belong to the global village and therefore HIV and AIDS is our common enemy. Combatant strategies used elsewhere in one part of the world might be effectively contextualized in another corner. In order to make an informed decision on a possible partnership between itself and the Business Sector in Southern Africa LUCSA decided to make case studies in Namibia and South Africa. In order to reach the intended goal LUCSA first made a SWOT analysis of itself and consulted Siemens for a case study. Siemens has an HIV and AIDS workplace policy as required by the law in this country. Of interest to us is the feature on community outreach. The results of both SWOT analysis and a case study in South Africa put us in a good position to make a meaningful and ameliorating intervention, as we are doing in the Church and community, also in business.
3.1 Cooperation benchmarks
LUCSA´s involvement and co-operation with business will be built around the following benchmarks which we regard as a niche for the church contribution to business and community: LUCSA is a church based organization with its member churches found all over Southern Africa. In South Africa the Lutheran family is spread to all corners of the nine provinces. And though based in community it has the capacity to reach other socio-economic sectors. The church is the custodian of confidentiality. Consequently LUCSA member churches have created a conducive capacity for counselling. In counselling sessions, either before marriage or otherwise, more and more people reveal their HIV status. Through sermons and other activities LUCSA member churches are gradually breaking the silence around and erasing the stigma attached to HIV and AIDS. LUCSA has trained antiretroviral treatment monitors and this has curved a niche for member churches in home- based treatment monitoring.
6 Any cooperation between LUCSA and business should be built around these four benchmarks.
At the moment LUCSA is in talk with Siemens HIV and AIDS Project. We envisage to have a cooperation where LUCSA will do more work in community and Siemens at workplace. Siemens has HIV and AIDS Workplace policy as demanded by government law instruments purposed to deal with HIV and AIDS at workplace.
3.2 Implementation instruments
TASK TEAM
A task team working directly under LUCSA office will be entrusted with coordinating LUCSA - business initially in four provinces of South Africa, namely Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape.
NETWORKS
Continuous sharing and monitoring of shared goals is vital for sustainability of the cooperation. The network will disseminate information on the needs of business, especially translating HIV and AIDS policies into local cultures and educating workers on staying free of HIV, breaking the silence and eradicating stigmatization.
LOCAL CAPACITY
The success and sustainability of a program needs cooperation and involvement of the local community. LUCSA and business will together build up local capacity.
COUNSELLING VENUES
Special venues designated for HIV and AIDS Voluntary Counselling are discouraged. Usual pastoral counselling venues in church premises will be open to workers.
COMMUNITY BASED SUPPORT GROUPS
An African proverbial saying that a human being realizes her/his full potential among others applies to HIV infected persons. Community Based Support groups will be a home for interpretation of local cultures and putting in practice African communal life. They will also serve to provide emotional and mutual support among HIV and AIDS workers. HIV infected workers will be involved in fundraising for HIV and AIDS issues. Mutual and communal fundraising is very popular in townships.
4. Financial responsibilities
There shall be a mutual sharing of support service of the program. LUCSA, however, certainly will provide all needed human resources.
7 5. Conclusion
The envisaged cooperation will seek proactive steps to achieve measurable and early results. This cooperation model does not claim to be the final version; more details will be worked in with the business concerned.
8 Rev. Fr. Stefan Hippler German Speaking Catholic congregation Cape Town and Chairperson of HOPE, South Africa
Arabella – HOPE – Project
„Hope is not a grass root organisation – we have to network with everyone“. These two sentences might already introduce the spirit and the dynamic of HOPE : A joint-venture of the Arabella South Africa Group (ASA) and the German speaking Catholic Con-gregation of Cape Town and some other institutions and groups. And this cooperation started like that: In 2000, ASA decided to champion one specific charity Criteria for consideration = a charity meeting the Growing cooperation of the Hope project greatest needs of the people in the areas in which ASA and the Arabella South Africa Group: conduct business Fr. Stefan Hippler During investigations, HOPE was introduced by German Business Chamber and Consulate as a charity worthy of consideration.
The beginning of the project HOPE: The project was created as a joint-venture between Tygerberg Children’s Hospital, University of Stellenbosch Health Sciences Dept, German speaking Catholic Community and the Rotary Club of Signal Hill and has since secured numerous partners ASA assumed patronage of Project HOPE in 2001 The partnership provided equal reputation benefits for both parties – ASA as a worthy corporate citizenship program and HOPE a patron of their activities.
Now the project and the cooperation is growing and extending its influence: Since 2001 – the project has grown from volunteers to an organization with 5 HOPE community health workers, 1 coordinator, 1 part time doctor and 1 part time pharmacist Areas include Tygerberg Academic Children’s Hospital plus day clinics in the communities of Delft, Mfuleni, Elsiesriver, Wallacedene and Paarl Next area is Hermanus and aim is to cover 18 sites in the Western Cape within the next three years Since 2001 HOPE has established a ward called Ithemba which caters for 24 beds and is the core of HIV/ AIDS related care in Tygerberg Children’s Hospital Over 100 000 patients per annum through family clinic ASA sponsors a health community worker at Mfuleni 9 (average 200 patients per day) One to one sponsorship program for treatment (ARV) Co-operation with traditional healers Workshops on prevention, treatment, compliance for Companies, NGO’s and medical staff Referral and networking program within the different communities served Numerous smaller projects e.g. vegetable gardens, soup kitchens etc.
By now the business-church – project cooperation will go one step further. From April on the two Arabella hotels will introduce a check out for HOPE, intending the following: „US$1 added to guests bill in all business units Anticipated a 70% take up by guests Calculation of likely income generated by Check for Hope – ASGH = R300 000 per annum – WCHS = R50 000 per annum Money will be distributed as follows – ASGH to Mfuleni – WCHS to Hermanus / Overberg area Money used to finance a Community Health Worker in both areas, support day clinics and to partly sponsor medical personnel“ (ibid)
Therefore they can conclude together as church and business persons:
Conclusion
“From our perspective this project is a successful and meaningful partnership for all parties involved - Arabella South Africa, Project HOPE and, most importantly, for the communities where we conduct our business.” Father Stefan Hippler and Angus Dodds
For more information:
Fr. Steve Hippler – [email protected] – www.kath.org.za And on the web: http://www.h-o-p-e.net/
10 Dr. Spiwo Xapile and Mrs. Zethu Xapile
Gugulethu - HIV/AIDS as a main Focus of a Congregation
What strikes me most in conferences like this one is: rural Africa seems to be forgotten. What I do in Gugule-thu is nothing if I do not relate this to the rural areas where the people used to live and where their family members are still living. I baptized about 1000 children and I only conducted 13 marriages since 1998. We speak of second families and mean the families of those who were coming to Cape Town in order to work and their (first) wives and children remained. The working hours were long and many men decided to get a second family. On the other hand we observe that lots of men are committing suicide. Don´t forget rural Africa: Zethu ... All these destructive structures indicate that we do need people who are working with us. And this was the reason to come to a joined venture with Stellenbosch university: Students came for their internships in studies like industrial psychology and worked in our congregation. And people got formal training to handle all these difficult situations. These training structures created a confidence from the side of the business.
One of the problems we are dealing with is still HIV/AIDS: Actually in church we have to say: We don’t have the language to speak about HIV/AIDS, but we try. Always 15 min before the sermon starts we listen to contribu- ... and Spiwo Xapile. tions on HIV/AIDS which are prepared by different groups and especially also by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). There we touch issues like how to deal with human behavior. And we realize that churches have to start to talk: not only about what not to do, but what to do …. For example we re-cognized that virgin testing was introduced as means for de-laying the first sexual encounter, but we also had to learn that more and more couples used anal sex in order to remain a virgin on this visible basis.
Cooperation with Spoornet
Our call to get support and help for the community was direc-ted to the local business. Hospice services were needed: palliative care. We needed a base from where the work could start and so we took an old mission house and converted it to a day care centre. Further we built up a relationship with St. Luke – ward: clients can be sent there, if people need special help or family members some relief. Support groups for the affected and the infected and for chil-
11 dren, who lost their parents, are another part of our work as well as the offer of counseling services. Spoornet found us on the way – and then they sponsored.
So we got some experiences of working with companies, but mainly on the basis of donating funds and entrusting us to use them properly. We saw how helpful it is to be linked to a local business community, since sometimes urgent help is needed and so we can approach someone directly without lots of paper works and faxes.
12 Vuyani Jacobs Labour Officer of TAC
TAC – Treatment Action Campaign
The Treatment Action Campaign is fighting since years for HIV/AIDS treatment for all people in South Africa. The pressure of the campaign, the national mobilisation, the court cases against pharmaceutical companies, the international recognition and the successful stories of pilot projects distributing HAARDT in Khayelitsha by MsF were important contributions and mile- stones for the changing policies in South Africa concerning the availability of treatment from the side of government.
Special areas where TAC is active and can contribute to the Combating HIV rationally and competently: development of work place policies as well as full Vuyani Jacobs (l.) from Treatment Action programmes: Campaign (TAC). 1. Treatment literacy
TAC is publishing booklets and running workshops, how to live with HIV positively, what treatment means and how to get access to it. It is utmost important to empower people to know the facts about HIV/AIDS, the different stages, the possibilities of treat- ment and the consequences one has to take up. Currently TAC has people in 7 provinces for going into schools, churches and companies to educate on treatment and HIV/AIDS.
2. Work place policies
TAC is going along with the ILO (International Labour Organi- sation) – template and we introduce the essentials of work place programmes accordingly. We recognize that it is necessary to care for the right of workers, specially those who are living with HIV/AIDS and to inform them about the legal framework supporting PLWAH.
3. Labour organizer
Currently I am the labour officer of TAC. This office is quite new, the need was always recognized, but funding wasn’t earlier accessible. As labour organizer and officer I am working closely with the unions but also with the management of each and every com- pany where we are called for consultancies and information. So far different companies have invited me: Recently it was the fishing industry that decided to dedicate one day just for HIV/ AIDS. 13 4. Advocacy work
TAC is permanently in cooperation and net-working with different partners, NGOs and other relevant groups: like e.g. we do have a close relationship to COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions) on all levels; we are joining the BIC – the Basic Income Campaign. We do have our own sponsors: BfdW (Bread for the World – Brot für die Welt, Germany) and the Open Society Foundation We do not ask and take money from the government nor from the pharmacentical industry.
5. Peoples Health Summit
One of the most important statements from the people’s health summit is the strong demand that the local clinics must have the same quality as the district clinics; and this means treat- ment should be available there as well. Further: the government should care that the education of nurses in the Karoo Clinics is as high as those in the more prominent areas at the coast etc. More money should be spent on educating nurses and other health personnel.
For more information about TAC and for enrolling in the mailing list please visit: www.tac.org.za
14 555 The Road Ahead International Steering Committee International Steering Committee of the Agenda 21 Project
The Road Ahead: Exploring and Experiencing Church – Business Cooperation: Responding to the HIV/AIDS Challenge
The Intention of the Project
Milestones on this way of church-business - cooperation in times of HIV/AIDS are work-place policies and work-place pro- grammes which have to be understood as a common challenge, not only for the economic sector, but for all other sectors of the society as well and especially for the churches.
Therefore the Agenda 21 project „The business sector has AIDS, too“ formulated as the main intentions of the A lot of expertise: the conference at Kemp- programme: ton Park. 1. Establishing a work-place policy and on this basis a work-place programme in the time of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in connection with the local community and the churches were the employees are belonging to
2. Transcending the borders of the company
3. Compiling a comprehensive programme where business, churches and society work together
4. Developing a non-contradicting programme touching all spheres of life
5. Being exemplary for the networking and cooperation of business and churches
The course of the conference indicated that men and women, organisations, churches, NGOs with lots of expertise and experiences are willing to join hands and to start rather soon with such a comprehensive approach.
How does this look like? What are the strongholds of churches and what could they offer to the world of business? Searching for a comprehensive approach: Reverends Peter Ohligschläger (l.), Robert Thema and Dr. Ulrich Möller. 1 Contributions of churches to workplace programmes – the specific approach of the project
Since local churches, church organisations, HIV/AIDS programmes of churches etc. have collected experiences in HIV/AIDS work, which are touching and exceeding the special set-up of a company and the own social work, some contributions from the side of churches and Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) for developing and launching HIV/AIDS programmes in companies are listed as follows:
Spiritual care and counselling by non-employees of the company (as pre- and post test counselling) Holistic approach – taking the whole human being with all aspects of life into consideration: creating work - place programmes which are also relevant beyond the own work- place Family/ social approach: Everyone exists in relation to others – knowledge about broader family structures are helpful for effective programmes, since the life situation of the employee has to be taken into consideration. Diaconical structures: Care for everyone, even if a person isn’t anymore able to work and staying in remote areas. Independent access – churches do have a record of being dependent only on God and the wellbeing of men, women and children and not being dependent or a part of one party, of one economic system and one company. Contributions and elements1 for work-place policies and work-place programs are developed by different organisations and can be taken as a part of the whole programme. But for the intention of creating a common program and a common response of business and church partners other aspects have to be added as they are portrayed in these various points. Policy against discrimination and stigmatisation Access to understandable, multi-lingual information about HIV/AIDS
1 Here we refer to the criteria for work-place programmes as they are formulated e.g. by UNAIDS:
The recommended steps in setting up and operating effective HIV/AIDS programmes in the workplace include the following: - developing a step-by-step action plan - formulating a sound HIV/AIDS policy, including all the legal, ethical, social and economic aspects - developing a process for multi-sectoral involvement, and ensuring cooperation and sensitivity to employee culture - establishing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support programme - monitoring, evaluating and updating the programme - Commitment for an active participation of an HIV/ AIDS workplace programme on all levels of the company - forging alliances with outside networks and resources, both private and public, and building a broad-based response - extending workplace interventions to include the local community (For further details on policy formulation, see M. Roberts et al.: Private Sector AIDS policy: Businesses managing HIV/AIDS. A guide for managers and Centres for Disease Control: Business responds to AIDS: manager’s kit and labour leader’s kit.) Source: http://www.unaids.org/publications/documents/sectors/workplace/ workptue.pdf 2 Culturaly sensitive approach (including questions about traditional healers, about witchcraft, sin …) Gender sensitive approach (male and female peer educators, addressing gender specific role modules, special care for mothers living with HIV/AIDS …) Welcoming atmosphere for everyone, who is infected or affected by the HI-Virus Christian Counselling offered by non-employees of the company, not only linked to testing Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) – facilities run by Reverend Ute Hedrich - organisations/churches independent from the business responsible for the Anonymous testing for the data base and human resource project management. development Medical care, Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for all employees and his/ her family provided by the company (clarification who are members of the family – cultural and traditional values of the respective area have to be taken into consideration), including post-exposure programme therapy (PEPT) and drugs against the mother- to – child – transmission of the virus (MTCP) Trainings for peer educators Continuous interaction with the local community around the company Trainings for people working in home based care units in community Care for the care-givers programmes as networks, or reflection groups in the community Improvement of the social relations and work against stig- matisation and discrimination in the company - this might lead to be positive for identification as well as for production Creation of a task force or HIV/AIDS committee, where employees (representatives from all levels), representatives from the company’s management, unions, local community, FBOs are working together Development of a specific HIV/AIDS budget on the basis of the analysis of the data in the company and the surrounding
Existing church – business co-operation in the times of HIV/AIDS
The conference indicated, that some co-operation between business and churches are often existing on the basis of sponsorship and taking up questions of social responsibility in their own regions. This is a great effort and a help for projects like HOPE, that perfectly work hand in hand with Arabella South Africa or the Tapologo HIV/AIDS Program that closely cooperates with the mines around Rustenburg – these positive examples and others are reviewed above.
Possible partners for church – business co-operations
Other participants showed their readyness and openness for further co-operations either with business like the Christian AIDS Bureau and the Lutheran Community in Southern Africa Rev. Wilfred Diergaardt - the Head of the Evangelical Lutheran AIDS Programme in (LUCSA) and the Aids Desk of the South African Council of Namibia. Churches (SACC-AIDS desk) indicated. Others are open to 3 the business sector as well as to the churches, as the Labour Officer of the Treatment Action Campaign indicated. The competence of TAC in regard of the accessibility of treatment and the mobilisation of various social groups as well as their working relationship to COSATU offers lots of challenges for a closer co-operation with each other.
The conference indicated further more that churches in Wes- tern Cape as well as in Gauteng are waiting for a signal to start with the project and to form teams. Unfortunately InWEnt (Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklung - gemeinnützige Dr. Renier Koegelenberg - responsible for GmbH - Capacity Building International, Germany) was not able the implementation of the programme in South Africa. to join the workshop, but InWEnt is specially interested in joining teams in KwaZulu Natal, since the organisation is rolling out a program for capacity building and HIV/AIDS management right in that area.
Nearly the same notion came from GTZ (German Technical Cooperation). GTZ was and is involved in some of the HIV/AIDS programmes of the bigger companies such as Daimler & Chrysler. Interest and in certain instances help can be expected from the South African office of GTZ in Pretoria.
The next step: Curriculum Development
On the background of all the information receivedand with the indication of the need of workable HIV/AIDS programmes in companies who were partly present at the conference, it was decided that Dr. Renier Koegelenberg, Ecumenical Institute for Southern Africa (EFSA), in connection with Prof. Jan du Toit from the African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management in Stellen- bosch, South Africa, will design a program, which should be the portfolio for the consultancies at the different companies. The intention is to have one curriculum, that should be the basis for each and every intervention, but it should be open enough to allow space for bringing in line the concrete situation in a spe- cific economic entity and the respective community around with the overall program.
The step further: Compilation of regional teams
The road ahead has to start from now on: as soon as the concept for the program is available, regional teams together with EFSA will be compiled. The first talks and encounters with those companies, who have indicated their general agreement, will start.
This means that the talks in companies are possible from July 2004 on and then the time frame has to be agreed uponin each and every company due to their own needs.
A follow up conference: Johannesburg, 01 - 02 February 2005
Rev. Christian Sandner For evaluation, reflection and the policy building we are planning - Evangelical Church in to have a follow up conference at the beginning of February next the Rhineland year (1st - 2nd of February, 2005) in Johannesburg.
4 The specific Namibian focus – and a first conference in Namibia: Windhoek, 03 - 04 February, 2005
The focus in Namibia will be quite a different one, since the eco- nomic basis of the country varies a lot: the focus in Namibia will be on the agricultural sector and on tourism industry. In both areas many people are employed, but seldom approached by any HIV/AIDS training or awareness cam-paigns. Here another link of the program has to be compiled and set up reflecting the needs and the different situation in the country.
A conference on the 3rd and 4th of February, 2005, most likely in Windhoek will take up the question and will launch the Namibian program with a detailed plan for the tourism sector.
5 Composition of the Steering Committee of the German – Southern African Agenda 21 Project „The Business Sector has AIDS, too“
Chairpersons of the Steering Committee:
Oberkirchenrat Dr. Ulrich Möller - [email protected] Bishop Dr. Ambrose Moyo - [email protected]
Members of the Steering Committee:
ELCRN: Bishop Dr. Zephania Kameeta (Deputy: Rev. Wilfred Diergaardt)
LUCSA: Bishop Dr. Ambrose Moyo (Deputy: Bishop Dr. N. Peter Phaswana)
SACC: NN (Deputy: NN)
EKvW: Oberkirchenrat Dr. Ulrich Möller (Deputy: Rev. Peter Ohligschläger)
EKiR: Landeskirchenrätin Ms. Elke Wieja (Deputy: Rev. Christian Sandner)
Lippische Kirche: Rev. Hermann D. Schaefer (Deputy: NN)
SABCOA: NN
Non-voting members: EFSA: Dr. Renier Koegelenberg Co-ordinator: Rev. Ute Hedrich
Contact persons for any information about the project:
In South Africa: Rev. Joe Ramashapa - [email protected] Dr. Renier Koegelenberg - [email protected]
In Namibia: Rev. Wilfred Diergaardt - [email protected]
In Germany: Rev. Ute Hedrich - [email protected]
6 666 Appendix - Namibia country profile HIV/AIDS data - South Africa country profile HIV/AIDS data Namibia
population 1,79 Mio. Christians 87 % GDP per capita: US$ 1,728
Life expectancy at birth (2002): 45 years Infant mortality rate 5,5% Illiteracy rate: men 17%, women 18% HIV/AIDS - one of the most severe problems Unemployment: 20 to 35% in Namibia. A poster of the awareness HIV prevalence 22,5 % campaign run by the Namibian Government. HIV prevalence among pregnant women 23 %
Estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS, end - 2001 - adults and children (0-49 years): 230.000 - children (0-14 years) : 30.000
Orphans - Children orphaned by AIDS (0-14 years) in 2001: 47.000
„Namibia is one of the five countries in Southern Africa most affected by HIV/AIDS… Namibia faces challenges stressed by the maturing of the epidemic. Enhanced prevention measures are required, while major efforts are at the same time neces- sary to provide treatment, care and support to a growing num- ber of people living with HIV/AIDS. Also, the numbers of or- phans and vulnerable children are on the increase. Discrimination and denial compromise an effective response, however, and access to Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services remains limited. There is a growing demand for comprehensive workplace programmes in the public and private sector. While Namibia’s government is spending con-siderable amounts on fighting the epidemic and despite a successful Global Fund proposal, the financial gap remains considerable at USD 25 million per year over the next five years. Severe resource shortfalls are experienced at the community and civil society level.“
Fischers Weltalmanach 2004, www.spiegel.de, www.unaids.org, „Aids epidemic update December 2003“ (UNAIDS); http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/namibia.html
1 Availability of Anti - retroviral medication in Namibia according to the Third Medium Term Plan (MTP III) of the Ministry of Health and Social Services:
Some private sector companies have started implementing workplace-based highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), while seven of the country’s 35 public hospitals are also providing it. MTP III will roll out HAART to an additional 23 centres, ensuring that 30 of the 35 public hospitals across the country will be able to provide the medication. The rollout of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) began last July; by late Septem-ber just over 150 people were receiving free treatment.
According to Health Minister Libertina Amathila, at least 1,500 people were now receiving ARVs at six state facilities across the country. 2004
Source: http://www.aegis.com/news/irin/2004/IR040425.html
2 South Africa
Population 43 Mio. Christians 70 % GDP per capita 2800 US-Dollar
Live expectancy at birth 46 years Infant mortality rate 5,6% Illiteracy men 14%, woman 16% Care of an AIDS patient: AIDS Hospice near Johannesburg. Unemployment: 23 to 45 % HIV prevalence 20,1 % HIV prevalence among pregnant women 25 %
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 5 million (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS – deaths; 360,000 (2001 est.)
„HIV/AIDS was thrust upon a country that, in its new birth of democracy, was addressing several challenges, which included redressing the imbalances of its past… In 12 years, HIV prevalence in 15-49-year-olds rose from less than 1% to about 20%.“
„Because of South Africa’s relatively recent epidemic, and given current trends, AIDS deaths will continue to increase rapidly over the next five years at least; in short, the worst still lies ahead.“
Fischers Weltalmanach 2004, www.spiegel.de, www.unaids.org, Lost his parents because of AIDS: three „Aids epidemic update December 2003“ (UNAIDS), years old boy in Hillbrow/Johannesburg. CIA World Factbook
3 7/87/87/8 Glossary Impressum Donations Website Contact Details Glossary
HIV/AIDS related terms
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) A treatment that uses antiretroviral medicines to suppress viral replication and improve symptoms. Effective antiretroviral therapy requires the simultaneous use of three or four antiretroviral medicines as specified in the WHO ‘Guidelines for a Public Health Approach, scaling up antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings’ (June 2002). These guidelines are intended to support and facilitate proper management and scale-up of antiretroviral therapy, providing recommended first and second line treatment for adults and for children, reasons for changing ART, monitoring patients, side effects of ART, and specific recommendations for certain patient subgroups. (Source: http://www.unaids.org/Unaids/EN/Resources/ Terminology/glossary+of+hiv_aids-related+terms/a.asp)
AZT or ZIDOVUDINE (ZDV) A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor antiretroviral medicine, zidovudine was the first antiretroviral drug to be introduced. Used in HIV infection in combination with at least two other antiretroviral drugs, and in monotherapy of maternal-fetal HIV transmission. (Source: http://www.unaids.org/Unaids/EN/Resources/ Terminology/glossary+of+hiv_aids-related+terms/a.asp)
MTCT: Mother To Child Transmission
OI: Opportunistic Infections
PEP: Post Exposure Prophylaxis - Treatment with a combination of Antiretrovirals (ARTs) after an exposure to HIV/AIDS (Rape, unsafe sex, accident ...)
PLWHA: People Living With HIV/AIDS
STD: Sexually Transmitted Disease
STI: Sexually Transmitted Infection
TB: Tuberculosis
Institutions, Bodies and Churches dealing with HIV/AIDS:
CBO: Christian Based Organisation
1 EFSA: Ecumenical Foundation of South Africa - Institute for Theological and Interdisciplinary Research, South Africa
EKiR: Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland (Evangelical Church in the Rhineland, Germany)
EKvW: Evangelische Kirche von Westfalen (Evangelical Church of Westphalia, Germany)
ELCAP: AIDS Programme of the ELCRN, Namibia
ELCRN: Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia
FBO: Faith Based Organisation
LLK: Lippische Landeskirche, Germany
LUCSA: Lutheran Communion Churches in Southern Africa, organization of 16 Lutheran churches
SABCOHA: South African Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS
SACC: South African Council of Churches
TAC: Treatment Action Campaign, NGO, main office: Cape Town
2 Impressum
The Business Sector has AIDS, too. A German-Southern African Agenda 21 Project against HIV and AIDS. Documentation of the starting conference „Exploring church- business cooperation: responding to the HIV/AIDS challenge“, 28-30 march 2004, Kempton Park, South Africa
Editoring Rev. Ute Hedrich, Dortmund - Germany Anna Neumann, Düsseldorf - Germany Rev. Christian Sandner, Krefeld - Germany
Design Gisela Lieberknecht-Krinke, Kamen - Germany
2004
Contact address: Rev. Ute Hedrich Office for Mission, Ecumenism and Global Responsibility (Möwe) of the Evangelical Church of Westphalia Olpe 35, 44135 Dortmund - GERMANY Tel.: +49(231)5409-74 Fax: +49(231)5409-21 [email protected]
Donations: Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland Landeskirchenkasse Düsseldorf, KD-Bank, Duisburg BLZ 350 601 90 Konto 10 10 177 037 Reference 3000.52.6900.34 AIDS-Hilfe Südliches Afrika
Evangelische Kirche von Westfalen Amt für Möwe KD-Bank BLZ 350 601 90 Konto 2000 3000 23 Verwendungszweck HHSt 3800-03-2200 „Landesagendaprojekt-AIDS“
Lippisches Landeskirchenamt Sparkasse Detmold BLZ 476 501 30 Konto 48 447 Verwendungszweck: 01/52/5223.02.0000 - AIDS-Hilfe Südafrika
Website: www.the-business-sector-has-aids-too.org www.denn-auch-die-wirtschaft-hat-aids.de 3
Responding to the HIV/AIDS Challenge