Why wellness?

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) are key to the successful implementation of any program. During the implementation of the HIV and AIDS program over years, through M&E it emerged that most of the lost production time due to illness was not directly related to HIV and AIDS complications but to other ailments or chronic conditions. It was only prudent to focus on total wellness rather than on HIV and AIDS which ranked about 5% of the world death rate compared to High Blood Pressure complications which is highest on the list. The world over, trends are shifting to wellness initiatives with major emphasis on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

What are Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs)?

NCDs are chronic diseases or conditions which impact negatively on the wellbeing of a person. They affect family and organizations. Productivity and production time depends on a healthy employee. Below are some of the common NCDs:

1.    High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) and associated cardiac diseases
2.    Diabetes Mellitus
3.    Cancer
4.    Chronic respiratory (lung) diseases
5.    Obesity

Most of the diseases or conditions listed above are a product of life style. A healthy life style can minimize development of the diseases. Cancer, obesity and hypertension are causing more morbidity (disability) and deaths in society than other conditions. Adopting a healthy life style significantly reduce the impact of the conditions to employees and organisations. Early identification and management of the diseases are crucial.

Why wellness days at various Small Business Units (SBUs)? 

•    Sensitise employees on good health practices
•    Obtaining baseline data on prevalent diseases or conditions
•    Provide links between service providers and clients
•    Bring services to the employees and minimise lost production time
•    Mainstream HIV and AIDS initiatives in other health activities
•    Demonstrate that employee health is a business case

Achievements or significant outcomes of the wellness initiatives:

•     Visible participation of all employees irrespective of level of employment
•    Improved health awareness resulting in people seeking more advice on health related matters.
•     Reduction in HIV related stigma as more employees are getting tested for HIV
•     Improved monitoring of the program due to baseline data obtained during wellness days
•     Improved morale and productivity of the entire workforce
•     Retention of workers and a healthy workforce
•     Influenced our supply chain to start own programs
•     Recognition and admiration for progress from the private, civic and public sectors.
•    Awards for the Corporate Social responsibility on wellness initiatives