Assessment of the workplace programme for HIV/AIDS in the tourism industry sector of Namibia

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to assess the Work Place Programme (WPP) for HIV/AIDS in Namibia. The methodological framework consisted of the following stages: (i) defining the target population, (ii) clustering the producers, (iii) applying the selection criteria and (iv) applying the eligibility criteria. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistical procedures, as well as the triangulation of data. The study was conducted in Namibia, in the capital city of Windhoek and the city of Swakopmund, which is a tourist hub between the desert and the coastline. The results show that of the 108 companies sampled, none had a WPP in place, while a few had some undocumented HIV/AIDS activities. Companies indicated that WPP implementation strategies had been inactive for long periods of time and that many HIV and AIDS activities were centered on World Aids Day. This was attributed to budgetary constraints; there is perception that such programmes are the responsibility of the government. This prevented such programmes from featuring in the business’s strategic planning and not yet mainstreamed into company operations. This study suggested that effective HIV and AIDS policy need to integrate within the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR), is essential for adequate health care management in the tourism industry.