Rio Tinto has developed a global HIV/AIDS strategy in response to the social and economic issues raised by this epidemic. This strategy is being implemented initially in the southern African business units

We value the wellness of our employees, and believe 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 strategy, 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 is considered the cornerstone of the strategy. Employees who are currently HIV negative are counselled on how to retain wellness. Those who are positive are 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. It will also be reviewed in light of the changing global thinking on HIV/AIDS.