HIV and TB Intergrated Biological and Behavioural Study (IBBS) for Migrant Mine Worker Communities of Origin in Lesotho
Abstract
Mineworkers have been identified as a high-risk group for TB. The risk for TB is said to be 10 times more than in the general population (Stuckler D, 2012). The reasons for high TB rates in mines include migration and poor ventilated working environments (Stuckler D, 2012). Each migrant worker who returns home with TB spreads the disease to an estimated 10 to 15 people in his community (STOP TB, 2012). Mine workers are exposed to a multitude of factors that compound their risk for TB infection. Increased political commitment over the past years has resulted in greater attention to address TB and other co-morbidities through multi-sectoral approach and public-private mix involving mining companies, relevant government ministries and other stakeholders. Among other things SADC developed minimal standards for prevention and control of TB in the region and these include commitments to mines, prisons and militaries, strengthening laboratory services and harmonised surveillance systems. These activities hinge on the member country to the declarations in the protocol of health and relevant to this call the SADC declaration on Tuberculosis in the mining sector (SADC declaration 2012), which Lesotho subscribes.
