Mining giant Rio Tinto has developed and implemented a global HIV/AIDS strategy

Aug 2 2004

Mining giant Rio Tinto has developed and implemented a global HIV/AIDS strategy in response to the social and economic issues raised by this epidemic. We value the wellness of our employees.

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.

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 enrolled 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 strategy in light of the changing global thinking on HIV/AIDS.