Ministry of Labour to Sign MOU with SA Source: Swazi Observer By: Winile Mavuso Date: 14 July 2014 THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security is in the process of drafting a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of South Africa which will address issues of compensation of current and ex-mineworkers. Victoria Masuku from the University Research South Africa (URSA) explained that the agreement would enable the ministry to negotiate with the South African government for compensation on behalf of the mine- workers. Meanwhile, a one stop centre has also been proposed to ease the process of processing compensation and TB treatment for mineworkers. These centres will provide screening for TB, silicosis and treatment as well as addressing issues of compensation for mineworkers. This will ensure that all these services are received under one roof to cut on the up and down that mineworkers previously had to do in order to access treatment for TB. This has caused many to default on their medication. Another problem that was raised by countries as a barrier to TB treatment adherence among mineworkers, was the lack of a concrete cross border referral system. Swaziland has made great strides in raising awareness among migrant mineworkers in the country. Masuku explained that the country staged innovative cross border interventions targeting mineworkers travelling home from the mines in South Africa. The interventions were aimed at raising awareness about TB treatment and provide mineworkers with optional and uninterrupted support for TB treatment adherence during the Christmas and Easter holidays. These were staged at the country’s two major borders including Mahamba and Ngwenya border posts which also served as testing ground for the establishment of a cross-border continuum of care and referral system, in line with the regional TB service delivery framework. Working with the National TB Control Programme and the Swaziland Migrant MineWorkers Association (SWAMMIWA), URSA reached 210 mineworkers with critical TB information during the period of December 2013 and 5th January, 2014. In-country treatment adherence support and follow-up for enrolled patients was provided as well as text message reminders and financial incentives for those who responded. A similar exercise was conducted again during the Easter holidays. The country was represented by Principal Secretary in the ministry of health Dr Simon Zwane, National TB Control Programme Manager Themba Dlamini, SWAMMIWA Secretary General Vama Jele and Sifiso Mndzebele from TEBA among others. Also present was Global Fund consultant Benedict Xaba. See the original article here: observer.org.sz/community/63945-ministry-of-labour-to-sign-mou-with-sa.html
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 12:00:01 +0000
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