FEATURE HIV HELP
Stefaan Van der Borght, Global Head of Health at Anglo American, explains the importance of voluntary in-house HIV testing for organisations in countries with high infection rates.
Nearly 40 million people worldwide are living with HIV, and it is estimated that 26 million of these are workers aged 15 to 49. With this in mind, the impetus is on workplaces in affected countries to implement wellbeing programmes for their employees.
TACKLING HIV IS GOOD FOR
BUSINESS Companies operating in countries where the virus is prevalent should view HIV as a business imperative, and not merely as a corporate social responsibility issue. Structured and sustainable programmes that are well-resourced across various areas of a business are crucial to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Apart from the obvious – and absolutely paramount – moral and human incentive of encouraging HIV testing and treatment, the benefits of workplace testing can have a ripple effect by improving the lives of those with HIV and their families, co- workers, as well as the population at
large. A strong prevention programme is important to prevent new cases from occurring.
The physical health benefits of workplace programmes are proven, but there is also a psychological dimension that plays just as great a part. Effective treatment programmes are necessary not only to protect those directly affected, but also to maintain morale among staff members. The perceived lack of control and emotional strain is demoralising and can inculcate learned helplessness in our teams. Even if HIV is not directly affecting our own health, it is having a huge impact on our daily lives.
A SAFE PLACE It does appear that fear of stigmatisation is still strong and is stopping people from getting an HIV test. This is particularly true among men. A recent study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health points out that in some countries, particularly those with discriminatory policies, getting tested can be a potentially dangerous action for men.
In Malawi, for example, the report highlights a case where a man being tested for sexually
“NEARLY 40 MILLION
PEOPLE WORLDWIDE ARE LIVING WITH HIV – 26 MILLION OF THESE ARE WORKERS AGED 15 TO 49.”
16
transmitted infections was arrested after it became clear he contracted an infection from another man – an action that frightened other gay men away from being tested. While there may still be stigma attached to asking for HIV testing at work, being among peers and confidants could make it that much easier to seek treatment in a safe place.
Anglo American run the world’s largest private sector testing programme for HIV and TB, as both diseases are closely linked, offering free antiretroviral therapy to employees and their direct dependents. The number of Anglo’s employees enrolled in HIV programmes increased 10% from 2014 to 2015 and now 88% of their HIV-positive workforce is enrolled. By following the expert advice to start treatment early, the company hope to increase this number even further.
LOOKING FURTHER AFIELD In terms of HIV, southern Africa is still the most severely affected part of the world. This has particular resonance in the mining industry, which is a strong private sector player in the region, particularly for Anglo American, whose historical roots in the continent continue to this day.
For businesses, particularly within the mining industry, HIV should be at the top of the agenda. If employers hone in on HIV and AIDS treatment and prevention, they will benefit the industry as well as having, perhaps, the greatest possible impact on regional health. It is important to bring the number of new infections down, ensure that people start HIV treatment immediately and continue treatment for the rest of their lives. But the first step is getting tested. If companies can demonstrate that this is possible, it will encourage others to take bold steps to reach the same goals.
www.angloamerican.com
www.tomorrowshs.com
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