South Africa – HIV strategy pays off

With over 20% of the population aged 15-49 infected, South Africa is severely hit by the AIDS epidemic. In this mining country where the Group employs more than 600 people, a strategy for combating the spread of the virus was set up. After an initial prevention phase focusing on training all our coworkers, local teams are now moving on to target treatment.

Our strategy has been defined in agreement with our stakeholders who meet in an AIDS steering committee which is assisted by Dr. Anil Bhagwanjee, a specialist in the field. This strategy is clearly coming to fruition.

By the end of December 2009, almost 80% of Imerys’ employees in South Africa have taken part in the free, confidential screening program. The prevalence rate has shifted from 13.6% to 14.7% since the start of the program, showing the workers’ progressive participation. Furthermore, more than 50% of the employees who tested positive have accepted the medical support we offer.