HIV, Aids & TB in SA Mines

TB AND HIV IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN MINING INDUSTRY

Background and Objectives

Because of various factors, the South African mining industry has a long history of high rates of TB and HIV. Reporting on these was however not compulsory as mines were only required to report on occupational diseases.

The burden of TB and HIV and progress in reducing these diseases in the mining industry could not be accurately determined due to the above-mentioned limitations.

The Department of Mineral Resources commissioned the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) to conduct a study to determine the burden of TB and HIV in the mining sector. Consequently, the DMR 164 was developed through Mining Industry TB and HIV Advisory Committee. (MITHAC)

Method

Following the adoption of targets and recommendations on TB and HIV by the sector in 2011, the Department of Mineral Resources spearheaded the compilation of a national report on TB and HIV/AIDS in the mining industry. In 2013, the Chief Inspector of Mines issued an instruction to mines to complete the DMR 164, a reporting template for TB and HIV. Mines have been reporting on the DMR 164 since 2014.

The reporting template has since been revised to include indicators on the 90:90:90 strategies for TB and HIV.

Results

Reporting rates have improved steadily from 2013 until 2016, with 663 mines employing 455 681 employees reporting in 2016. Availability of policies, counselling for HIV and screening for TB have improved. The crude TB incidence is also improving.

Conclusion

The mining industry has an excellent TB and HIV/AIDS reporting system and the results are utilised for monitoring progress in reducing new TB and HIV infections in the industry.