HIV/AIDS Progress in DPSM

Briefing on the activities of the DPSM HIV/AIDS committee

The Committee took over from the previous committee in February 2003. The Committee also inherited the annual plan from the previous committee. Since some of the members were involved with HIV/AIDS matters for the first time, the new committee embarked on a massive programme of educating and disseminating information to the new members. So far activities that have been undertaken are as follows:

• Organised workshop for the members of the committee on managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace in February 2003. However, only three members of the committee were able to attend this workshop because NACA discontinued the services of the facilitator. This workshop was an eye opener to those who managed to attend in that it introduced new concepts of managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

• The committee successfully organised a half-day workshop for drivers in March 2003 to address HIV/AIDS issues which specifically affect drivers. The committee invited resource persons from Botswana Red Cross Society, Population Services International (PSI) and Tebelopele Voluntary Testing and Counselling.

• Organised training on first aid for three drivers at Botswana Red Cross Society in April 2003.

• Organised training for one member of the Committee on HIV/AIDS Counselling in the workplace. The officer has since facilitated in - house training for other members of the committee in peer counselling matters.

• Organised workshop for committee members on HIV/AIDS and Nutrition in September 2003. After this workshop it was decided that we should disseminate the handouts from the workshop to all officers. The committee also decided to invite this facilitator to talk to DPSM staff about this topic.

• Organised workshop for members of the committee on Stress Management. It was decided that this workshop should be organized for senior management in the near future.

• Organised prayer sessions for the Prayer Month. These prayer meeting were very much successful and members of staff attended the sessions in large numbers.

 Other activities that are in the pipe line are as follows:

• To organise a workshop for senior management in HIV/AIDS mainstreaming with a view to imparting knowledge and contributing to clarity of understanding of HIV/AIDS mainstreaming. This workshop was initially penciled for June 2003, but did not materialize due to other pressing assignments by senior management.

• To organise a mini workshop for cleaners, messengers and grounds men to discuss HIV/AIDS matters. Preparations are at an advanced stage.

• To buy five first aid kits for the DPSM fleet. A minute seeking permission to purchase the kits has been submitted to the Under Secretary.

• To purchase four user - friendly condom containers. A minute seeking permission to purchase the condom containers has been submitted to the Under Secretary.

• To organise first aid training for drivers and some members of the committee which is scheduled for 03 – 07 November 2003

Following a Presidential directive, Cab32/99, DPSM developed the code of conduct on HIV/AIDS in the workplace. It outlines issues on how to live positively with infected employees, protect them from stigmatization and unfair treatment.