Our aim:
To reduce the impact and spread of AIDS in the industry to the minimum by means
of a comprehensive, systematic intervention over a minimum period of 12 months.
In stark contrast to other programs that promote a non-directive, condom-based
message, the Doctors for Life program promotes adult value systems and the critical
role of the family for a healthy and content labour force.
Description:
The program is implemented in phases:
i) Pre-implementation study: The worker’s knowledge, attitude, skills and
practices with regard to AIDS (KAP-study) are measured during the first term by
an independent research institution (MEDUNSA).
ii) Awareness-campaign: Various non-personal marketing articles are spread among
the labour force to make them aware of the project. All the articles display the
prominent "AIDS-Live Safely" emblem. These include stickers, bags, T-shirts and
caps; toilet-door posters (new even to the marketing sector) are changed every
quarter.
iii) Training: Influential peer group leaders among the workers are trained during
the first quarter in groups of twenty. During the 10-day course the workers are
equipped with the basic knowledge and communication skills that he/she may need
to assist fellow workers in groups or individually. The peer educators are also
taught the clinical picture of AIDS as well as the basic principles involved in
the caring of people with AIDS at home.
iv) Refreshers courses: The same group of peer educators is brought together in
the fourth quarter for 5 days during which problems are discussed and new information
and skills are mastered.
v) Post-implementation study: MEDUNSA
does a second study during the fourth quarter to determine whether any significant
changes took place in the workers’ knowledge, attitudes, skills and sexual
practices. The 2 sets of data are then compared and the results are disclosed
to management.
During training the peer educators are also taught to use the following training
tools effectively at their place of work.
AIDS against the family - video.
The DFL
booklet on the care of people with terminal illnesses at home.
iii) Training: Influential peer group leaders among the workers are trained during
the first quarter in groups of twenty. During the 10-day course the workers are
equipped with the basic knowledge and communication skills that he/she may need
to assist fellow workers in groups or individually. The peer educators are also
taught the clinical picture of AIDS as well as the basic principles involved in
the caring of people with AIDS at home.