Three people at a mine in West Wits have become the first HIV-positive employees of the mining giant AngloGold to be provided with antiretrovirals by the company.
As reported on aidsmap in August, AngloGold’s parent company Anglo American agreed to start rolling-out anti-HIV drugs for its employees following a feasibility report and estimates that 30% of its work force was HIV-positive.
In the first instance antiretrovirals will be provided to 200 volunteers, who will receive advice about how to take anti-HIV medication and its potential health benefits and side effects. If this phase is successful it is intended to roll-out treatment to all employees at risk of becoming ill because of HIV from April 2003.
With an estimated 4.2 million South Africans estimated to have HIV, AngloGold’s Chief Executive Bobby Godsell is quoted by the BBC as saying, “for society’s sake, we hope others follow us.” Other multinationals including De Beers, Coca-Cola and some South African car manufacturers are also starting to provide antiretroviral treatments.