ILO and South Africa validate HealthWISE impact for Eastern Cape health workers

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), convened stakeholders in East London on 4 August 2026 to validate findings of an impact assessment on occupational safety and health (OSH) improvements for health workers across ten public health facilities in the Eastern Cape, according to a press release. The validation workshop marks a milestone in a four-year collaboration involving the ILO, DEL, the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDoH), organised labour and health facilities. Together, they implemented the ILO/WHO HealthWISE methodology, a participatory approach empowering workers and managers to identify risks and apply practical, low-cost solutions.

The HealthWISE programme has been implemented since 2022, when it began with a Training-of-Trainers workshop held in East London. The initiative has since reached facilities employing more than 10,700 health workers, representing approximately one quarter of the Eastern Cape’s public health workforce. Participating hospitals and forensic pathology services have developed facility-level action plans tailored to their operational realities. The Balfour Clinic has emerged as a flagship example of the programme’s transformation. Bulelwa Huna, Senior Specialist: Occupational Health and Hygiene at DEL, provided an overview of the journey during the workshop.

Measurable results include documented reductions in needle-stick injuries, declines in occupationally acquired TB and blood-borne exposures, fewer healthcare-associated infections, strengthened occupational health services, and safer working environments. Sustained social dialogue and collaboration among government, employers and workers have been central to the programme’s success. Through HealthWISE Technical Working Group structures coordinated by DEL, stakeholders jointly identified risks, monitored progress and promoted improvements. The validation process allowed institutions to confirm facility-specific findings, share good practices and refine recommendations. This approach enhances ownership of the outcomes before final publication.

Representatives from ECDoH, organised labour, participating facilities, DEL and the ILO reviewed the draft Impact Assessment Report and agreed on forward-looking recommendations. Organised labour emphasised strengthening Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and psychosocial support for workforce wellbeing. “Caring for the carer, must remain at the centre of healthcare transformation,” echoed COSATU’s Mulalo Morudi in concluding remarks. ECDoH DDG Mavuso reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring every health worker has access to a safe, healthy and supportive working environment. Stakeholders also endorsed a roadmap for finalising and disseminating the report.

The validated findings will guide future investments in occupational safety and health across South Africa’s health sector. The final Impact Assessment Report is expected to be officially launched by the Eastern Cape MEC for Health, in her capacity as the Province’s Executive Authority. ECDoH has committed to integrating HealthWISE into the Multilateral Structure and the Provincial OHS Committee, and is considering scaling up to additional facilities. The report will also be tabled at the national structure responsible for OSH in the health sector. This positions the Eastern Cape experience to inform national practice and support broader expansion of the HealthWISE methodology.