As part of the Capacity Project’s efforts to support the health workforce, the Project is conducting a qualitative research study in Swaziland to identify HIV-infected health workers’ barriers to care, status disclosure and remaining in the workforce—an area that is almost completely undocumented.

From October 20-31, Dr. Shannon Galvin traveled to Swaziland to update key collaborators, train the study team and oversee initial data-collection activities. Intended to be collaborative and capacity-building, the study is being conducted with the Swaziland Nurses Association (SNA), Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Southern Africa Human Capacity Development Coalition.

The SNA runs a new wellness center specifically for health workers; one aim is to see if this is a desired intervention for those who may be reluctant to seek testing or treatment in the same facilities with their patients and colleagues. By taking part in the study, the SNA will build capacity to strengthen its support of health workers in the country. Interviews are now being transcribed, and a report is planned for Spring 2008.

November 2007