HIV & Aids

Having been one of the first organisations to initiate an integrated HIV & AIDS workplace programme amongst employees, Eskom, has set the bar for other organisations to follow in the fight against this pandemic. The programme was established in the mid eighties when health practitioners noticed the need for specific treatment and sensitivity surrounding this pandemic. Today the programme includes research, education, and care accompanied by a strong systems of support with a high emphasis on monitoring and evaluation.

Eskom aims to empower individuals through integrated response strategies, consequently leading to enhanced sustainability of the business itself. These strategies include Self-Awareness, Policies and Practices, High Risk Areas, Education and Training, Care and Support, Information Management, Communication and Partnerships.

Response strategy

HIV & AIDS will be beaten

"While science does its best to find cures, the rest of us can do a lot to manage and prevent further infections. We must focus on behavioural change - Knowledge is power. Far too many myths, stigmas and discriminations still exist that need to be eradicated. We need strong leadership to achieve this." - Thulani S Gcabashe, CE of Eskom.

With the rising numbers of people affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa and within South Africa itself, the business world has had to increase its participation in the prevention, education and management of HIV/AIDS. Eskom has estimated that by 2005, the 550 to 600 new AIDS cases a year within their organisation would have added R275 to R300 million to the cost of the business annually.

Eskom's Response to HIV

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Partnerships in action

Partners links