November 2003

Stigma Undermines Drug Programs

Persistent social stigma is an obstacle to the efforts of South African companies to provide free antiretroviral drugs to their HIV positive employees, London’s Guardian reported in October. After a year, only 700 employees of mining conglomerate Anglo American had enrolled in its program; the company estimates that approximately 25% of its South African employees—30,000 people—are HIV positive. There are no accurate statistics because “the biggest problem” is getting employees to agree to be tested. They avoid learning their status because they fear discrimination. “There is still a huge amount of ignorance in the country and lack of leadership from government has caused confusion,” said Brian Brink, Anglo’s chief medical officer.

Anglo recently announced $4.35 million in funding for a community partnership project to accelerate provision of comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and prevention services in government clinics where the company has business units. The three year initiative is believed to be the first large effort by a private company to extend employee HIV/AIDS programs to surrounding communities.