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International Organization for Migration (IOM). HIV risk and vulnerabilities of migrant farm workers in South Africa: G ood practice in addressing migrants’ rights to health. IOM’s HIV Prevention & Care Project: Targets seasonal farm workers on 38 commercial farms in South Africa.
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International Organization for Migration (IOM) HIV risk and vulnerabilities of migrant farm workers in South Africa:Good practice in addressing migrants’ rights to health
IOM’s HIV Prevention & Care Project: Targets seasonal farm workers on 38 commercial farms in South Africa
The Evidence: findings from the IBBS 28.5% HIV Positive Female workers have higher HIV prevalence
Young women (18-24 yrs) 3 times more likely to be HIV positive
Females travelling more than an hour to work more vulnerable than males
Circumcised males lower HIV prevalence but the difference is mainly due to circumcision during early childhood
Structural Drivers EnvironmentalDrivers Individual Drivers Drivers of HIV infection in a large agri-estate setting • Gender (power) dynamics on farms, esp. transactional sex for jobs, accommodation, transport, exaggerated “masculinity” • Separation from regular sexual partners • Lack of access to health services due to unstable contract status/ no time/no money for transport • Boredom - lack of recreation • Low literacy / low skilled • Fatalism: “I can be replaced anytime” • Lack of targeted and appropriate (culture/language) HIV prevention information • Seasonal labour • Poverty in rural areas • high % of women • high levels of gender inequality - High levels of multiple, concurrent sexual partners with low consistent condom use - Low levels of behaviour change (myths/ misconceptions)
IOM’s response: A comprehensive HIV prevention and care project in large agri-estates
Project started in 2005 78% of employees trust in the confidentiality of the IOM implementing partner. 25% of all employees surveyed in IBBS had been tested 6 months prior to survey suggesting the VCT programme is starting to reach more employees Grown from 18 farms to 38 – the model is being replicated throughout the district All 38 farms have HIV workplace policies Wellness Clinic in the farm community for all farm workers providing primary health care and ARVs Gender: Community Policing Forums are active, men becoming more vocal on GBV related issues Impact .. Gender on farms - in 2003/4 IOM survey found 52% of female workers had exchanged sex for goods This mural was painted by farm workers and is on one of the farm compounds
Contact Details: Barbara Rijks Regional HIV Advisor International Organization for Migration Regional Office for Southern Africa Tel: +27 12 342 2789 Email: brijks@iom.int www.iom.org.za