Business-specific initiatives

AEL

In support of the imperative to "know your status" in combating HIV/Aids, AEL holds regular VCT interventions. The most recent of these coincided with commemorative events for World Aids Day held at Modderfontein.

It is pleasing that the Champions of Wellness Programme's acceptance continues to grow across all levels of employees within AEL.

CHEMSERVE

The Chemserve group provided primary health services and sustained its EAR efforts through occupational health centres. This is in addition to compulsory membership of AECI's subsidised comprehensive medical aid cover and a basic medical plan for lower income earners.

As in the rest of AECI, HIV/Aids initiatives have been incorporated into the broader Wellness programme. The first group of Champions of Wellness has now been trained as Champions of Change. A Wellness Steering Committee has been formed and meets once a quarter to discuss relevant issues and initiatives.

During 2009, a Wellness campaign was implemented throughout Chemserve. The initiative included health and HIV/Aids information sessions as well as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index and HIV tests. It was most encouraging that 71% of all employees participated in this important initiative, up from 56% in 2008.

HEARTLAND

Efforts to incentivise employees to become aware of their HIV status continued during the year. This was achieved through lucky draws for those employees who went for testing. 71% of employees at the Umbogintwini operation participated in a VCT programme which, regrettably, revealed a number of new HIV cases. HIV-positive employees are assisted via the "Aid for AIDS" programme.