| Summary: | Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the full Degree of Master of Technology: Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2011. === South Africa is currently at the epicentre of the AIDS epidemic with 5.6 million
people living with HIV disease.
The province of KwaZulu-Natal has the
biggest burden with an antenatal HIV prevalence of 39.5% in 2010. It is
estimated that 24.5% of South Africa‟s working age population is HIV positive.
Most infected people living with HIV in Africa are between ages 15 and 50
years which is the peak working age. AIDS now causes more deaths and
suffering among the 18-44 year age group than any other disease.
Organisations clearly present as one of the most effective and significant
settings in which to respond to the epidemic. The effective management of
HIV and AIDS within organisations is critical in order to reduce the negative
consequences of the epidemic on the economy.
HIV and AIDS Management Systems (HAMS) within organisations have been
implemented for approximately twenty years but they have been largely
ineffective, mainly due to poor uptake of services. Therefore, there is a need
for HAMS practice to be evaluated in relation to current best practice
standards to ensure quality management, continual improvement and
successful uptake of services.
This qualitative study evaluated one organisation‟s HAMS in relation to SANS
16001 and described employees‟ experiences of HAMS in this setting. The
theoretical framework underpinning this study is the Deming cycle which is a
well known quality management system methodology.
From the results of the study it was apparent that the organisation was aligned
with most of SANS 16001 general requirements for HAMS. Employees experienced the intended benefits of prevention, treatment and support from
the organisation‟s HAMS.
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