Trucking Wellness Programme
Improving Health in the Trucking Industry
What We Do
The Trucking Wellness Programme was launched in 1999 as an initiative of the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI).
The programme is a primary healthcare delivery system dedicated to the health and wellness of those employed in the Road Freight and Logistics Industry.
Wellness Centers
Over the years, Trucking Wellness has evolved into a sustainable model of primary healthcare delivery to key populations through a blend of sleek Mobile Wellness Centres and 20 fixed Roadside Wellness Centres.
These Clinics can be found on all major trucking routes and across South Africa’s borders.
Since its inception, the programme has grown into providing a holistic approach to health and wellness which encompasses a wide range of client specific, easily accessible and free primary health care services, including:
Condom use education and distribution.
STI screening diagnosing, treatment and education.
HIV awareness, information, education, counselling and testing.
Referrals to appropriate service providers for HIV treatment and care and for chronic medication and care for non-industry members.
Enrolment of NBCRFLI Wellness Fund members for HIV Treatment and chronic disease management.
TB awareness, information, education, screening and referrals for treatment and care.
Malaria awareness, information, education, screening and referrals for treatment and care.
Screening tests for blood pressure, blood sugar, blood cholesterol and body mass index.
Diagnosis, treatment, care and support of primary health problems or concerns.
Our Health Care Services
The programme is so close to our hearts because a key contributor to the wellbeing of South Africa’s economy is the wellbeing of our trucking and logistics workforce. If the trucking industry is able to move goods across the country efficiently, economic growth will be directly affected in a positive way.
The Toll of the Road
To delve into further detail regarding the life of a truck driver, each day involves incredibly demanding hours, travelling long distances and prolonged time away from home and loved ones. Additionally, the trucking industry, which is faced with the challenges of rising fuel costs, safety and constant driver shortages, now faces an even deadlier threat from the impact of HIV/AIDS. Loneliness has encouraged many drivers, married or single, to find comfort on the side of the road- generally in the arms of a sex worker. The consequences are devastating, with STI’s and HIV/AIDS being rapidly spread from one truck stop to another. This is where the Trucking Wellness initiative comes in.
Trucking Wellness: A Lifeline
Since its inception to September 2024, Trucking Wellness has provided healthcare education to 1 001 001 long distance truck drivers, sex workers and community members. 629 988 patients have been consulted and have received various forms of treatment and care, with over 34 million condoms distributed to these key population groups over the past 25 years. Additionally, 93 586 individuals have received STI treatment.
Partnerships for Impact
Trucking Wellness clinics are funded by the NBCRFLI and supported by various organizations, including donor groups, industry partners, local governments, and health departments. These partnerships have been instrumental in expanding the initiative’s reach and ensuring its sustainability.
Our Goals
Improve the overall health of employees in the road freight and logistics industry through preventative testing and education regarding STIs and HIV & AIDS.
Align with additional partners to open more clinics that reach more South Africans.
Greater education for employers regarding the long-term benefits of preventative care for their employees and drivers.
If you’ve recently been to one of our Roadside Wellness Clinics but didn’t get a chance to rate the service, please take a moment to scan the QR code, on our Contact Page, and share your feedback with us.