UNAIDS and Anglo American, one of the world’s leading mining companies, have joined together to support ProTest HIV, a global initiative that encourages people to get tested for HIV.
The partnership was announced in Durban, South Africa, at the 21st International AIDS Conference. It promotes the importance of voluntary HIV testing, care and support for people living with HIV and broader HIV prevention programmes.
Anglo American has been involved in the response to HIV for 30 years, during which it has worked to reduce the impact of the HIV on its employees, their families and the communities in which the company operates. The company’s HIV policy is based on a human rights framework and conforms to the internationally recognized best practices recommended by UNAIDS. Anglo American aims to ensure that all employees know their HIV status and offers free testing, counselling and antiretroviral therapy to all employees and their dependants.
Ahead of the conference, UNAIDS and Anglo American asked people to spread the word about the campaign by uploading a selfie using the hashtags #ProTESTHIV and #GenEndIt on to their social media channels, which will automatically drive traffic to the protesthiv.org website.
Ending AIDS by 2030 will only be achieved by working together. This partnership demonstrates the power of collective action in mobilizing people around the world.
“UNAIDS values the important role that business can play in raising awareness through targeted campaigns and in creating a healthier labour force by encouraging employees to know their HIV status and access HIV prevention, treatment and care services.”
Michel Sidibé UNAIDS Executive Director
“Our partnership with UNAIDS highlights the kind of collaborative work needed to see the first HIV-free generation. At Anglo American, we aim to be partners in the future with our host countries and communities, through both operating excellence and directing our efforts where they will have the most sustainably positive impact. The health of our employees is of course one such area. I’m proud of the results of our steadfast support of HIV awareness, testing and treatment of 30 years. More multistakeholder efforts like this campaign will help us all meet the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.”
Mark Cutifani Chief Executive, Anglo American
