‘03

Managing the business impacts of HIV/AIDS

Old Mutual has designated personnel within the company who continually monitor a wide array of related issues. They liaise with other industry players to ensure group management is kept abreast of the latest available information. This is critical in informing the company’s business plans.

Managing the disease in the workplace

During 2002 and 2003 the following workplace projects were undertaken:

• An anonymous, voluntary and group-wide HIV/AIDS seroprevalence assessment showed a 6% infection rate.
• A "Know Your Status" campaign offering free confidential HIV testing and counselling.
• The provision of free antiretroviral medication to staff living with AIDS.
• Ongoing HIV/AIDS workshops, events and seminars.
• A national Peer Education Programme.
• Encouragement of HIV/AIDS-related staff volunteerism.
• Incorporation of programmes sensitive to AIDS orphans within the work of the Old Mutual Foundation.

During 2003, particular emphasis was placed on the roll-out of the peer education programme.

The programme aims at providing training and information to volunteer employees who are thus able to become a source of support for HIV-positive colleagues. In addition, the programme ensures a high level of awareness and education about the disease in the workplace so that training and information is dispersed throughout the organisation without the need for a formal setting or programme.

The Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS has commended the Old Mutual HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme for work done and has selected the programme for publication as one of eight outstanding examples from around the world.

Helping to manage the disease in the broader community

Old Mutual works in partnership with community organisations and other stakeholders to address the challenges of educating people, influencing lifestyles towards safer practices, and providing community support.

A prime example of such a partnership is that struck up three years ago with the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) that has a strong HIV/AIDS component to its activities.

The company has sponsored events that ensure the disease retains a high profile within the consciousness of all Southern Africans. These included:

• The 46664 HIV/AIDS music concert held at Green Point Stadium under the patronage of former President Nelson Mandela. About three billion people are estimated to have watched the concert across the globe.
• The Mayihlome! AIDS ribbon, a call to action against HIV/AIDS at the World AIDS conference in Durban. The ribbon, hoisted across the entrance to the Durban Convention Centre, is the largest ever made.
• The internal launch of a campaign to alert staff to the plight of AIDS Orphans was launched on World AIDS Day. The campaign aimed at encouraging staff to "adopt" 1 000 orphans.

Old Mutual has continued to sponsor the televised HIV/AIDS education show "Soul City".