Due to the high accident rates on South Africa’s roads, the campaign’s objective was to enhance the health of truck drivers through HIV/Aids, cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and BMI [Body Mass Index] testing.
The campaign was a partnership between pharmaceutical manufacturer Adcock Ingram, Swedish truck manufacturer Scania, the Swedish Workplace HIV/Aids programme, along with Shell One Stop petrol stations.
The initiative was rolled out at Shell petrol stations in Midrand, Bloemfontein, Middelburg, Polokwane and Harrismith.
The campaign had the assistance of the national traffic police who helped stop truck drivers and directed them to testing stations at the Shell garages where they received information about safety issues. Participating petrol stations were clearly identified with bright red banners encouraging drivers to Put the Brakes on HIV; Stop and Take the Test; Do it for a Day; Do it for Life; and Adcock Ingram’s Rethink HIV.
Besides receiving information on safety issues, Scania technicians were on site to run a 20-point check on vehicles, and conducted small repairs free of charge. Drivers of vehicles in a bad state of repair were advised to return to their depots as soon as possible so that their vehicles could be overhauled.
Nurses, supplied by the Reality Wellness Group, manned the testing stations where the truck drivers were screened.
The campaign also included a short information session during which drivers received information about health, wellness and road safety.
Dr Eric Hefer, member of the adult treatment guideline committee for the South African HIV Clinicians’ Society, said because of mobility, the trucking industry has been identified as a high-risk sector for HIV infection.
Adcock Ingram, which manufactures anti-retrovirals (ARVs) locally and supplies HIV test kits, plays a major role in the fight against HIV/Aids.
Head of Adcock Ingram’s ARV division Luella Naidoo said, “We are passionate about initiatives such as these which support Adcock Ingram’s strong community-driven focus. Via this campaign, accurate data on the health of truck drivers can be obtained, allowing for confidential follow-up care and monitoring via cellphone communication and SMS. But perhaps most importantly, we will be able to help HIV-infected drivers access and initiate ARV treatment.”
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