De Beers has taken the decision to introduce anti-retroviral treatment as another integral component in its strategy in fighting HIV/AIDS.

The access to drug treatment is an important addition to the company's holistic approach to employee health and wellness. Consultation with stakeholders such as Government and trade unions will be an important part of the process. Additionally there are some logistical and legal issues that need to be resolved but we hope that the rollout of the drug treatment programme will begin in January 2003.

Whilst this intervention is an important step towards minimising the impact of the Aids pandemic on employees and the company, De Beers believes that health and wellness is, first and foremost, the responsibility of individuals. We therefore encourage every employee and their partner to know their status through the company's free voluntary counselling and testing programme or other facilities.

To encourage compliance with treatment regimes, participants in the drug treatment programme will be expected to make a ten per cent contribution towards the costs. This is in line with best practice established by De Beers' partner company, Debswana in Botswana over the last year of providing drugs to employees.

This will be a global programme available to all De Beers permanent employees as well as a spouse or life partner.

Access to drug treatment will initially run for a two-year pilot period starting January 2003 at the end of which De Beers will review its position. This is with a view to the dynamic environment of continuing drug development and possible Government intervention.

Managing Director of De Beers, Gary Ralfe says, “The provision of anti-retroviral treatment is a moral and humanitarian issue aimed at extending lives and improving the quality of life for infected employees. But it is important to recognise that it is only one aspect of a comprehensive approach by De Beers to employee health and wellness.”

The key components of the company's approach to employee wellness include:

&Mac183; The Employee Assistance Programme already in existence;
&Mac183; HIV/AIDS education and awareness programmes, including the training of peer educators;
&Mac183; Access to free Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT);
&Mac183; Conveying the importance of general healthy living
&Mac183; Conveying the importance of general fitness and nutrition
&Mac183; Disease surveillance and management programmes, eg Tuberculosis control
&Mac183; Occupational Health best practice at all operations

“Our vision,” adds Ralfe, “is for De Beers to be recognised as an employer of choice, leading the fight against HIV/AIDS by applying best practice. We hope our decision will encourage other considering similar interventions in their fight against HIV/AIDS.”


Source: De Beers press release
August 2002