As part of a recent speech given by Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, it was reported that the Lancet Medical Journal says South Africa forms 0,7% of the global population, yet carries 17 % of the HIV burden. He went on to say that, "A war is still going to be won. We'll only win when we stand together as government...as civil society. We need to undertake a massive campaign of voluntary counselling and testing."
Standard Bank is participating through its internal WAD campaign which encourages staff to get tested. The campaign also includes a community initiative - with every staff member that comes forward to learn their status, Standard Bank will in turn assist someone, less fortunate, with a test of their own.
“We, as Standard Bank, have promised to match each internal test with one in our community and are aiming at testing 4000 employees during this period,” says Peter Philip, head of corporate health at Standard Bank.
Counselling and testing services will be available at four different sites this year.
“People are reluctant and scared to get tested, but we want to change that mindset, demystify the myths and take away the stigma that people associate with being tested, says Philip. “What we are saying to all staff with this campaign is that knowing your status is empowering. It allows you to plan for a bright future with or without the virus.”
HIV Testing stations will be open onsite for two weeks for Standard Bank staff, leading up to World Aids Day as well as on the actual day. Testing will be conducted free of charge for Standard Bank staff, in private with results available within 30 minutes.
“It is thought that 12 - 15% of the population could be HIV positive and that half of those people work for big business,” says Philip.
