Overview of PSHACC

RM PHUNGWAYO

Introduction HIV and AIDS epidemic trends reflect that

the most affected age group is between the ages 15-49.

This has implications for the labour force and necessitates urgent action from the government .

Intro contHIV and AIDS epidemic threatens to erode all

the benefits of an effective and efficient Public Service, consequently draining the

Human Resource and undermines the governments ability to serve the common interest of national service delivery and

developments.

MAJOR REFORMSThe Ministry of Public Service has

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

These reforms depend onon the stock of Human Resources with the

requisite competencies, the presence of enabling policies, regulatory

framework and the health and well being of public

officers to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

Integration Government therefore seeks to integrate

HIV/AIDS and other medical conditions into the mainstream Human Resource Management Policies of the Public Service.

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

Vision

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

Mission

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

Aims and objectives of PSHACCto provide an enabling environment that

promotes the prevention, and management of HIV and AIDS and other medical conditions in the government.

Prevention objectivesTo increase the number of officers who know

their HIV status .To provide and increase the distribution of

prevention commodities (condoms, protective gloves) to all government officers .

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

To establish a functional peer education program.To provide information and education

opportunities to all officers .

Care and support objectivesTo introduce care and support structures and

referral systems( suport group, peer counseling)To increase the number of officers who have

declared their HIV status and medical conditions receiving care and support in the various departments.

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

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

Impact objectivesTo educate officers of their rights,

benefits and obligations in respect of their HIV status and medical conditions.

To provide an enabling working environment for all officers through the establishment and review of policies and procedures.

To develop and implement a management guide to cover, recruitmnet, placements, training, promotions :

Impact obj. contTo establish a systematic Human Resource

management and planning systems, policies and procedures i.e succession planning and career development strategies.

To strengthen the capacity of Human Resource officers in data collection, monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the Wellness Program.

Institutional arrangements The PSHACC committee comprises of the

Deputy Army Commander ,Under Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, Deputy Heads Of Department And Leaders Of Government Staff Associations

ministerial Wellness structures

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

Indicators for PSHACC

Reduced Absenteeism due to chronic illnesses including HIV/AIDS.

Reduced number of retirements on medical grounds

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

Evidence on Conditions affecting workersHIV/AIDSAlcohol abuseMental healthChronic illnesses i.e diabetesDepressionIdentity crisisFinancial crisis

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

Successful activities undertaken10 departmental wellness policies developed

and launched5 awaiting launchMonthly motivational sessions conductedTraining of wellness coordinators, committee

members and peer educatorsMonthly mobile testing and screening

services provided

Successful activities undertakenPSHACC support groups formedWellness Corners established Wellness CampaignsResearch and evaluation study by ILOPartnerships and funding

Challenges Employment act ,Human resources policies

and proceduresManagement buy inFundingHealth Services Delivery PMS Reforms

Mobile tests