FIGHTING HIV/AIDS
IN SOUTH AFRICA |
|
 |
|
|
|
Business
Group: Primary Metal
Region: Africa |
|
|
|
|
|
At Silicon Smelters in South Africa, an
HIV/AIDS management system has been put in place. The program,
in place since 1999, encourages employees to undergo voluntary
counselling and confidential testing.
Program initiatives include:
| • |
With the aid of "rapid HIV testing kits" purchased
by the Polokwane plant clinic in early 2004, 52 employees
were tested. Three were unfortunately diagnosed as being
HIV positive. |
| • |
The Polokwane clinic was involved with the National
Association of People Living with AIDS and the local welfare
organization. A substantial donation was made by the plant
in the wake of fundraising events organized by Silicon
Smelters and a local charity. |
| • |
Peer educators (employees) are trained and given material
as part of the HIV prevention program in the plant and
some go out to the communities to provide education regarding
the prevention of AIDS. |
| • |
Silicon Smelters was interviewed by the local broadcasting
station on the management of HIV in the workplace, following
a recommendation from the local HIV/AIDS Centre. |
| • |
A "Wellness Competition" was organized in
October 2004 to encourage employees to learn their HIV
and diabetes status, as well as their cholesterol levels. |
In addition to the above, Silicon Smelters employees all
belong to a medical aid program that is recognized as being
one of the best in terms of HIV/AIDS management. All HIV positive
employees are closely monitored and receive antiretroviral
treatment (if needed) as part of the medical aid initiative.
The results show that Silicon Smelters has a lower incidence
of HIV/AIDS cases than the provincial average. The smelter
operation is seen in the community as a responsible organization
in managing EHS. Through helping the community by fighting
HIV/AIDS, this program has contributed to improving the health
of the community as a whole and securing a stable workforce.
|
