Accessing Occupational Health Services in the Southern African Development Community Region

Only 15% of the global population has access to occupational safety and health services. In Africa, only 5% of employees working from major establishments have access to occupational health services (OHS). Access to primary health care (PHC) services is addressed in many settings and inclusion of OH...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2020-09, Vol.17 (18), p.6767
Main Authors: Masekameni, Masilu Daniel, Moyo, Dingani, Khoza, Norman, Chamdimba, Chimwemwe
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
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Cross-Sectional Studies
Developing countries
Focus groups
Health services
Health Services Accessibility
Humans
LDCs
Literature reviews
Mining industry
Occupational diseases
Occupational Health
Occupational health care services
Occupational Health Services
Occupational safety
Primary care
Questionnaires
Residence Characteristics
Search engines
Zambia
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Summary:Only 15% of the global population has access to occupational safety and health services. In Africa, only 5% of employees working from major establishments have access to occupational health services (OHS). Access to primary health care (PHC) services is addressed in many settings and inclusion of OHS in these facilities might increase efficiency in preventing occupational diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries aiming at assessing the availability of OHS at PHC facilities and the organization of OHS. We conducted a literature review to assess the provision and organization of OHS services. In addition to the review, a total of 23 doctors from Zambia were interviewed using questionnaires in order to determine the availability of OHS and training. Consultations with heads of ministries were done in four SADC countries. Results showed that in the SADC region, OHS are fragmented and lack a comprehensive approach. In addition, out of 23 PHC facilities, only two (13%) provided occupational health and PHC. However, OHS provided at PHC facilities were limited to TB screening and audiometric testing. Our study showed a huge inadequacy of trained occupational health practitioners. This study supports the World Health Organization's advocacy to integrate OHS at the PHC level.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph17186767