First KwaZulu-Natal roadside clinic for truck drivers

The first KwaZulu-Natal roadside clinic for truck drivers has been officially opened at the Tugela Truck Stop by the province's MEC for Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize and the CEO of Imperial Logistics and Transport, Terry Bantock.

The opening of the Tugela roadside clinic follows the successful launch of a similar facility in Ventersburg in September this year. The roadside clinic concept was introduced in 2000, with the aim of reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS amongst the industry's workforce, through awareness and healthcare programmes.

"Clinics such as the Tugela clinic make a significant impact. They are well situated and open during the hours when truck drivers rest," Dr Mkhize said during the proceedings. "We must raise awareness among this workforce regarding these clinics and encourage them to make use of the facilities. Finally, we want to thank our partners in this endeavour. Government cannot handle this on its own, we need business to become involved."

In addition to the new Tugela clinic, roadside clinics are operated at Beaufort West (N1), Harrismith (N3), Beit Bridge Border Post, Port Elizabeth Truckers Inn (N2) and in Ventersburg (N1). The clinics are open in the evenings from 17:00 to 24:00.

The clinics at Ventersburg and at the Tugela Truck Stop are sponsored by Imperial Logistics and Transport, a company employing more than 11 000 people and operating approximately 5 000 heavy vehicles across Southern Africa.

"The problem of sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV/AIDS in particular, is an indisputable part of the trucking industry. It is therefore important to become involved in helping people in the industry to deal with the disease, through initiatives from all stakeholders," said Mr Bantock.

"What we are doing is only the tip of the iceberg. The problem requires involvement on a large scale, not only in South Africa, but also in the SADC region. We also acknowledge national government's role in curbing the spread of this disease and in encouraging stakeholders to invest in initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS," he continued.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health's Provincial HIV/AIDS Action Unit will provide medical personnel and support for the Tugela roadside clinic, while the Learning Clinic will manage the facility on behalf of the stakeholders.

The Learning Clinic is the appointed project manager for HIV/AIDS awareness education, primary healthcare, sexually transmitted disease (STD) treatment and condom distribution programmes sponsored by the Road Freight Association (RFA), the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight Industry (NBC), as well as for certain major companies in the industry with similar objectives.

All the roadside clinics are well supported by truck drivers and their social partners ("women at risk") and industry stakeholders are confident that these initiatives will encourage safe sex and prevent serious health ramifications in the long term.

For more information, contact Imperial Logistics and Transport via Tel (011) 463-7436.