Publication: Taming HIV/AIDS on Africa's Roads
Date
2004-03
ISSN
Published
2004-03
Author(s)
Lema, Antoine
Brushett, Stephen
Lewi, Negede
Riverson, John
Siele, Silue
Abstract
Findings of international studies of the
HIV/AIDS pandemic at work places suggest that, the transport
sector is a major vector for the disease. The reason is
simple. People working in the transport sector are mobile,
they spend weeks and months away from their families and
their homes and many satisfy their sexual needs "on the
road." Migration, short-term or long-term, increases
opportunities for sexual relationships with multiple
partners, transforming transport routes to critical links in
the propagation of HIV/AIDS. International studies also
suggest that long-haul truck drivers are the highest risk
group in the road sector. Clearly, social capital is at
risk. In Africa, studies assessing the relationship between
transport and HIV/AIDS are still partial and embryonic. Yet,
situational analyses undertaken to date suggest that
HIV/AIDS has become a major threat to the social capital of
the transport sector and to transport operations, but few
actions are taken to address the insurgence of the pandemic.
Nonetheless, investing adequately in combating HIV/AIDS in
Africa is now a precondition for all other development
investments to succeed. The transport sector faces four
major challenges: 1) Reduction of social capital 2) Poor
safeguard policies addressing HIV/AIDS at work places 3)
Absence of standard HIV/AIDS clauses in works contracts 4)
Limited sector analytical work on HIV/AIDS. These challenges
can be addressed. Committed leadership, continuous dialogue
with clients, and strategic partnerships could make a difference.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“Lema, Antoine; Brushett, Stephen; Lewi, Negede; Riverson, John; Siele, Silue. 2004. Taming HIV/AIDS on Africa's Roads. Africa Region Findings & Good Practice Infobriefs; No. 236. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/9699 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”