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Accessing Occupational Health Services in the Southern African Development Community Region

Author

Listed:
  • Masilu Daniel Masekameni

    (Occupational Health Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa)

  • Dingani Moyo

    (Occupational Health Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
    Faculty of Social Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru 9055, Zimbabwe
    Baines Occupational Health Services and Safety Group, Harare 1410, Zimbabwe)

  • Norman Khoza

    (Occupational Health Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
    Health Division, Programme Delivery and Coordination Directorate, African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

  • Chimwemwe Chamdimba

    (Health Division, Programme Delivery and Coordination Directorate, African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

Abstract

Only 15% of the global population has access to occupational safety and health services. In Africa, only 5% of employees working from major establishments have access to occupational health services (OHS). Access to primary health care (PHC) services is addressed in many settings and inclusion of OHS in these facilities might increase efficiency in preventing occupational diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries aiming at assessing the availability of OHS at PHC facilities and the organization of OHS. We conducted a literature review to assess the provision and organization of OHS services. In addition to the review, a total of 23 doctors from Zambia were interviewed using questionnaires in order to determine the availability of OHS and training. Consultations with heads of ministries were done in four SADC countries. Results showed that in the SADC region, OHS are fragmented and lack a comprehensive approach. In addition, out of 23 PHC facilities, only two (13%) provided occupational health and PHC. However, OHS provided at PHC facilities were limited to TB screening and audiometric testing. Our study showed a huge inadequacy of trained occupational health practitioners. This study supports the World Health Organization’s advocacy to integrate OHS at the PHC level.

Suggested Citation

  • Masilu Daniel Masekameni & Dingani Moyo & Norman Khoza & Chimwemwe Chamdimba, 2020. "Accessing Occupational Health Services in the Southern African Development Community Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6767-:d:414684
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    Cited by:

    1. Kankamol Passaranon & Naesinee Chaiear & Napak Duangjumphol & Penprapa Siviroj, 2023. "Enterprise-Based Participatory Action Research in the Development of a Basic Occupational Health Service Model in Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-28, April.

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