HIV and AIDS workplace interventions; gaps between policy and practice at the College of Medicine.

Abstract

This study set out to identify gaps between policy and practice of HIV and AIDS workplace interventions in the University of Malawi, in particular College of Medicine in line with the UNIMA HIV and AIDS policy. The main objective was to establish whether the HIV and AIDS workplace interventions at College of Medicine were in line and guided by the University of Malawi HIV and AIDS policy. This was a cross sectional qualitative study. A random sample of 25 students and 15 members of staff were interviewed using in-depth interviews. Interviews were tape-recorded and data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. There are a number of activities relating to HIV and AIDS in place while others are still in the pipeline, however the majority of respondents did not know about the UNIMA HIV and AIDS policy or any HIV and AIDS activities that are guided by the policy. This is due to lack of interest on their part or lack of knowledge on the existence of the workplace programme. The COM HIV and AIDS committee should strive to fast track key programme areas such as VCT centre and clinic and coordination of different activities to increase programme visibility and patronage.