HIV/AIDS strategy
Rio Tinto developed a global HIV/AIDS strategy in 2003 in response to the social and economic issues raised by this epidemic. The strategy has initially been implemented in the southern African business units. During 2004 investigative work has also been conducted in Papua New Guinea and Guinea.
Rio Tinto values the wellness of its employees, and believes wellness can be significantly heightened, in HIV/AIDS prevalent regions, by providing affordable access for employees and their nominated partner to HIV/AIDS treatment and programmes (including antiretroviral therapy).
Rio Tinto's response to HIV/AIDS draws upon the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Code of Good Practice on HIV/AIDS. Discrimination towards employees on the basis of real or perceived HIV status is not tolerated. The confidentiality of all information on the HIV status and condition of employees and community members is strictly upheld. Consistent with our stratgey, HIV/AIDS screening is not undertaken during recruitment or as a condition of employment.
The Rio Tinto HIV/AIDS strategy is founded on four key elements:
- Prevention, awareness and education;
- Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT);
- Wellness and treatment;
- Monitoring and evaluation of service provision.
Prevention, awareness and education programmes play an integral role in protecting employees and their communities from future infection, whilst also breaking down stigmas and misconceptions surrounding the disease.
Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) is considered the cornerstone of the strategy. Employees who are currently HIV negative will be counselled on how to stay negative. Those who are positive will be encouraged to enrol on a wellness programme, which includes the provision of antiretroviral therapy when medically appropriate. Implementation of the HIV/AIDS strategy is monitored in all locations and evaluated regularly to ensure quality service provision.
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