BD supports initiative to provide care for the caregivers in Africa
Healthcare systems in sub-Saharan Africa are strained by a dramatic shortage of human resources, largely due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, migration and poor working conditions. Healthcare workers and clinicians, particularly those on the front lines, are often over-stressed and undervalued, and frequently at risk for infection from occupational exposures.
To address the situation, BD and the International Council of Nurses (ICN) are establishing Wellness Centers in four countries hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and healthcare worker shortages. These Centers will provide comprehensive health services for thousands of healthcare workers and their families. The goal is to sustain a healthy and productive healthcare work force, leading to a stronger regional healthcare delivery system.
The Centers offer testing, counseling and treatment for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB); prenatal services; stress management; screening for chronic conditions; and training for continuous professional development, including prevention of occupational exposures. BD is providing $120,000 in cash support to help fund the Wellness Centers, as well as training in safe injection and phlebotomy practices valued at more than $200,000.
The first Wellness Center in Swaziland was hailed as a model of good practice by the World Health Organization and Physicians for Human Rights. ICN and its member national nurses associations are opening additional Wellness Centers with BD support in Lesotho, Zambia and Malawi.