New SABS standard on management of HIV/Aids, TB in workforce

The standard was developed in line with the South African government's emphasis on the need for 'social wage' expenditure to provide access to health services for workers across the country, as expressed by President Jacob Zuma during his State of the Nation address on 14 February 2013.

The management of the well-being of South Africans is very important as it directly affects the country's productivity and economic growth.

During the Department of Health's budget projections for 2012/13, the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, explained that the Department would focus on key areas in a bid to improve the health of all South Africans, namely:

• Improve the life expectancy of all South Africans;
  
• Decrease maternal and child mortality;
  
• Manage the scourge of HIV/AIDS and TB; and
  
• Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system.

"This standard outlines the basic requirements for the establishment of wellness and disease management systems (WDMS). It is applicable to any organisation that wishes to implement, maintain and improve the health of its employees," said Dr Sadhvir Bissoon, SABS standards executive.

Certification offered

It is important to note that the standard is not intended to increase or change the organisation's legal obligations, but includes the principles similar to those of managing a robust and competitive business such as environmental, quality, occupational health and safety, financial or risk management systems. The wellness and disease management system can effectively be integrated or aligned with existing management systems in organisations, thereby minimising disruption or discord. The SABS is also geared to offer certification to SANS 16001 as part of an integrated management system or as a single offering.

The standard consists of two key components: the first component outlines the requirements to ensure the wellness of employees as well as proactive interventions that an organisation can implement to prevent ill health and improve upon or maintain good health. The second one deals with the management of diseases including all health conditions that are not commonly occupationally induced.

It recognises that the success of a wellness and disease management system depends upon commitment at all levels and functions of an organisation, especially from top management. Many of the requirements can be addressed concurrently or revisited at any given time depending on the needs of business.