As part of GSMF International’s extension of its Lifeshield HIV/AIDS workplace programme, the Mineshield programme was launched under the auspices of the Ministry of Mines in May 2004. As a component of the Lifeshield campaign, Mineshield targets workers in the mines as well as the mining communities. The Mineshield programme was designed in line with GSMF’s focus on vulnerable populations, and high transmission areas.
Mineshield aims at:
- Increasing the percentage of staff who practice preventive behaviours consistently
- [Abstinence, Faithfulness to one uninfected partner and consistent and correct Condom Use ]
- Increasing social support for persons living with HIV/AIDS
- Increasing accessibility and sale of condoms to staff and communities
- Building capacity in the various organisations to ensure sustainability of the program
Advocacy
Advocacy meetings are held with the management of various mining companies, facilitated by the Chamber of Mines. Components of the Mineshield programme are discussed with the management of each company to help them understand the mechanics and offer them a channel for offering input for the programme.
Research, Monitoring & Evaluation
Quantitative and qualitative research study is conducted on the mines to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes and practices of mine workers in relation to HIV/AIDS. The research forms the basis for program design and implementation. A sample size of 226 workers in seven mines was used for the study. Follow-up research is conducted after implementation. The program is monitored through peer educator reports and monitoring visits.
Peer Education and Communication
Through advocacy, management of the mining companies select staff from all levels and categories to be trained as peer educators. 197 peer educators have been trained for seven companies by GSMF. The training curriculum includes anatomy and physiology of the reproductive organs, fertility management, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, condoms, voluntary counseling and testing, communication skills, and social issues relating to HIV/AIDS. Group work and group activities are included to allow participants to learn by participation and involvement. Peer educators are equipped with toolkits, which contain a variety of HIV/AIDS material for education. Peer education is ongoing with activities such as condom promotion, STI referral, and community outreach.
IE&C Material DistributionVarious materials on HIV/AIDS are developed and distributed in the mining companies and the communities involved. These include posters, stickers various kinds of HIV/AIDS leaflets. Each category addresses a particular issue on HIV/AIDS and promotes positive lifestyles and behaviour change among the specific target.
Voluntary counseling and testing
Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) has been identified as one innovative way of preventing HIV infection. The trained Peer educator emphasizes the importance of VCT during their advocacy activities. The programme provides an opportunity for mine workers to know their HIV status by offering the VCT on the mining sites.
Community Based Intervention
HIV/AIDS educational activities are extended into the communities in which the mines operate so as to make the programs very effective. Mining companies on board the Mineshield programme are considering vigorous community based interventions as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Mineshield Companies
Some of the companies currently enrolled in the Mineshield programme are:
- Bogosu Gold Limited – (Golden Star Resources) Bogosu
- New Century Mines – (Golden Star Resources) Prestea
- Wexford Goldfields Limited - Akyempim
- Iduapriem Gold Mine (Subsidiary of AGC) Iduapriem
- Resolute Amansie Limited - Amansie
- Ghana Bauxite Company - Awaso
