September 2009

According to estimates by Trucking Wellness, between 19% and 28% of male truck drivers are HIV positive.

Over the last ten years Trucking Wellness has changed the face of tackling the HIV/AIDS pandemic that has decimated the South and southern African road transport industry.

Michelle Steyn, Trucking Wellness project coordinator, reports that employers and employees within the road freight industry are now contributing towards a wellness fund, which lies with the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight Industry (NBCRFI). Employers are currently contributing 1%, combined with 0,5% from employees on a monthly basis.

Steyn says there are three ways in which truck drivers and transport industry employees can enrol in the wellness fund which covers all expenses related to testing for HIV/ AIDS, treatment and medication.

Firstly a Trucking Wellness mobile centre visits companies at depot level to conduct voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). The aim of these mobile centres is to reach employees not able to reach one of the 15 roadside wellness centres set up at strategic locations on South Africa’s busiest transport corridors..

“We bring the services right to where these people are working,” Steyn explains adding that all persons tested positive will be enrolled onto the programme

Secondly, truck drivers and other industry employees who may be out on the road, can be tested, and if necessary, enrolled, at one of the 15 roadside wellness centres.

Finally persons who already know their status can enrol by called the toll-free number. 0800 212 768 during office hours. They will then be asked for some information i.e. ID number or NBCRFI number to confirm that he/she is in fact a member of the NBCRFI and is contributing towards the Wellness Fund. The person will then be enrolled.

After being enrolled, patients are sent to a GP for pathology tests to determine their CD4 count. Accordingly, with a CD4 count of 350 or less, the person will start receiving antiretroviral treatment. Person will also be sent for continuous check-ups and tests – this also helps with monitoring the adherence to drugs. Patients receive continuous counselling throughout the whole process.

Between 19% and 28% of male truck drivers are HIV positive, according to estimates by Trucking Wellness.