Several companies, including banks, added their voice to the commemoration of World Aids Day on Monday.
DaimlerChrysler’s chief executive said in his capacity as chairperson of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/Aids that the pandemic can only be overcome if all sectors in society, including business, work together.
Jurgen E Schrempp said the company has introduced and managed a comprehensive workplace programme to combat HIV/Aids at its South African division.
”The programme has received major attention internationally and is considered exemplary worldwide,” he said.
”The workplace programme offers all employees and their families extensive support to combat HIV/Aids. Information, prevention, voluntary testing and medical care are among the services the company provides to meet its social and economic responsibilities.”
The programme is based on peer education, which involves training staff members who contribute to the acceptance of the programme. The company also closely cooperates with the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa.
The programme will in future be expanded to suppliers and supporting employees’ families.
”In doing so, DaimlerChrysler will continue to fulfil its role as a forerunner in the fight against HIV/Aids in South Africa.”
Banking group Absa has also been involved in a number of initiatives to fight the pandemic.
An initiative was launched on Monday aimed at inviting the public to donate their small change to raise awareness of the impact of HIV/Aids on children and caregivers.
”Funds will be raised for the South African National Council for Child Welfare and the Salvation Army,” the bank said in a statement.
The Absa Foundation has played a major role in HIV/Aids prevention and care in the past two years and has spent R5-million on community projects.
A staff programme has also been launched at the bank to collect funds for children affected by or infected with HIV/Aids.
Absa also has a comprehensive programme to educate its employees about the disease and to assist those infected with or affected by the pandemic. — Sapa