BMW s drive against HIV/AIDS

Transcription

1 BMW s drive against HIV/AIDS BMW s drive against HIV/AIDS Tel Fax

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3 Message from the Managing Director 2 The challenge 4 The task team 5 A tailor made programme 6 Taking action 7 Testing knowing your status 10 Wellness programme 12 Community partnerships 14 BMW South Africa Company guideline in HIV/AIDS 16

4 The HIV/AIDS pandemic has assumed extremely challenging proportions in South Africa. It is impossible to ignore the reality that HIV/AIDS affects us all at some level, whether in our communities, our workplace or in the marketplace.the loss of our employees, absenteeism and lower productivity stemming from the pandemic threatens all South African businesses. A strong and determined response is essential. We at BMW South Africa have implemented a unique and effective programme that strives to prepare for the impact of the disease and implements long-term, peoplefocused solutions to minimize its effects. We believe that our programme can serve as a model for other businesses in South Africa. The success of our programme is grounded in three important principles our commitment to fight against HIV/AIDS, an effective testing programme and the creation and maintenance of a culture of trust amongst our employees. In formulating our HIV/AIDS policy we have consulted our associates through an intensive interactive study and have created in-depth awareness of the pandemic amongst our workforce. We have worked hard to ensure that we address fears and have sought to design a tailor made programme to suit our peoples needs. In a South African first we have opted to go the full route of pre-counselling, blood sample testing and postcounselling, instead of the more common anonymous saliva test. I was recently tested at our company s medical centre to establish my own HIV status. I believe that it is vital for each of us to personally know our 2 We are proud of our company s initi to curtail the impact of HIV/AIDS on

5 HIV status thereby providing everyone with the ability to access counseling and treatment to his or her own best advantage. We are committed to building a culture of trust and encourage all associates to undergo testing without fear of discrimination in the workplace. Associates rights to privacy and confidentiality are respected and maintained throughout the process. BMW South Africa also assists government in developing effective programmes that will halt the spread of this disease and develop support networks for those who are affected. We are part of the South African Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (SABCOHA), where we assist in presenting a coordinated business response to the AIDS pandemic. We are proud of our company s initiatives and will continue to work to curtail the impact of HIV/AIDS on the workplace and in our communities. We will continue to fight to ensure a healthy future for our associates and our company. Ian Robertson Managing Director Ian Robertson s AIDS test launched a Lead by Example drive which has seen managers and team leaders coming forward to be tested and encouraging their fellow colleagues to follow suit. atives and will continue to work the workplace and in our communities. 3

6 The true impact of HIV/AIDS on our lives today is not fully known. National HIV/AIDS statistics are based on antenatal surveys of pregnant women attending public clinics, and do not represent the full picture of the impact of the pandemic in South Africa. It is fair to say however that, since the first case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was diagnosed twenty years ago, AIDS has become the most devastating disease humankind has ever faced. It is estimated that more than 60 million people have already been infected with the virus. According to UNAIDS reports, HIV/AIDS is now the leading cause of death in sub-saharan Africa, killing 2.3 million people in In the developing world, the majority of new infections have occurred in young adults, with young females being particularly vulnerable. Almost a third of those currently living with HIV and AIDS are aged between 15 and 24. HIV and AIDS therefore pose not only one of the greatest challenges to society as a whole, but also to business development and economic growth in the subcontinent. South African companies face the reality of a higher staff turnover, sickness, absenteeism and a loss in productivity and morale as the pandemic spreads. As one of the leading motor vehicle manufacturers in the country, BMW South Africa realizes the magnitude of its responsibility to manage the wellness of its employees, and the importance of supporting nationwide efforts to stem the tide of the pandemic. 4 BMW South Africa realizes the mag the wellness of its employees, and nationwide efforts to stem the tide

7 As part of implementing a longterm integrated and sustainable HIV/AIDS strategy, a BMW HIV/AIDS task team has been established to drive an action plan to assess and manage the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the workforce. A senior member of the Board heads the multi-disciplinary team with participation from human resources, labour unions, medical practitioners and management. The task team was charged with formulating a workplace policy that recognizes the crucial need for the implementation of preventative actions in the fight against the disease as well as contingency plans to manage its impact. Members were tasked with the establishment of effective support structures for HIV/AIDS infected associates and with the development of a culture of trust through communication and awareness campaigns. To underscore the company s commitment to the success of the programme, a full-time occupational practitioner with extensive experience in the HIV/AIDS field and a dedicated HIV/AIDS coordinator have been appointed to assist with the programme. Dr Natalie Mayet, nurse Norman Letebele and HIV/AIDS coordinator Sinah Mahlangu is part of a dedicated Occupational Health team driving the BMW HIV/AIDS programme. nitude of its responsibility to manage the importance of supporting of the pandemic. 5

8 In order to more clearly understand the workforce s perceptions regarding the issue of HIV/AIDS, BMW SA conducted an extensive KAP research study. The study was aimed at determining the level of Knowledge about the disease, finding out what the Attitudes of associates are towards the disease and exploring the kinds of Practices that influence behaviour. It was found that associates displayed a good general knowledge of the basic information regarding HIV/AIDS, but desired to learn more about the disease. A multi-disciplinary team with the input of selected staff members and union representatives designed the survey questionnaire. Researchers from the University of Pretoria s School of Health Systems and Public Health conducted the study under the guidance of Professor Eric Buch. In addition to answering questions relating to the KAP study, associates were asked to describe what their expectations were of the company on the issue of HIV/AIDS. These responses were vital in developing the BMW HIV/AIDS programme to coincide with the perceived requirements of our employees. In essence, the company and its employees co-designed the workplace programme based on employees' own perceived needs and desires. The result is a tailor-made BMW HIV/AIDS programme, specifically aimed at meeting the needs of BMW employees. 6 BMW SA and its employees co-desig based on employees' own perceived

9 Following a careful analysis of the results of the KAP study and in consultation with worker representatives, BMW launched a comprehensive awareness campaign aimed at bringing the issue out into the open for discussion. At the same time, counseling services and information to BMW associates who were infected with the HIV virus or who were already living with AIDS were introduced in an effort to prevent further spread of the disease. Sixty employee volunteers were trained as peer educators to assist in educating their colleagues on HIV and AIDS issues and to help dispel myths, misconceptions and irrational fears about the disease. Peer educators promote a greater understanding of HIV/AIDS thereby preventing transmission and encouraging early testing.they are also trained to point colleagues in the right direction to receive appropriate health assistance. Continued mentorship and support is provided to peer educators through ongoing education and workplace workshops.training is also provided for shop stewards to equip them with knowledge on how to deal with issues relating to HIV/AIDS. On management level, training and discussion on economic and legal implications as well as policy issues are provided. Industrial theatre performances held at BMW s Rosslyn and Midrand sites have proved a popular and effective way of raising awareness of the disease in the workplace. Other communication tools for disseminating information included speeches and presentations by well know AIDS communicators, ongoing articles in the company s newsletters, posters, flyers and video touch screen stations. ned the workplace programme needs and desires. 7

10 HIV is not an automa death sentence. BMW CARES, DO YOU?

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12 BMW believes that knowing the truth about your HIV status allows you to make informed choices and to take ownership of you own health and lifestyle.the sooner your status can be established, the sooner you can get help or take the appropriate precautions. The goal of the BMW HIV/AIDS campaign is to provide counseling and information to each and every employee and to ensure that a substantial majority of the workforce is tested. Extra time and additional resources have been made available to aid this process.through the awareness campaign all employees have been familiarized with the testing procedure and have been educated on the importance of knowing one s own status. BMW advocates the full process of pre-counselling, laboratory blood sample testing and postcounselling.the company s Occupational Health staff members conduct tests strictly within the legal requirements for testing, with the consent of the employee.the privacy and dignity of the individual is fully guaranteed. BMW South Africa does not discriminate on the basis of an employee s HIV status and is committed to handling the AIDS issue with sensitivity and understanding. Associates who are living with AIDS or who become HIV infected are encouraged to continue with their usual duties for as long as they are capable of fulfilling their normal job requirements.they enjoy the same employment conditions as other associates. Employees or potential employees are not required to disclose their HIV status to the company, and those that do, are 10 BMW believes that knowing the truth informed choices and to take owne

13 dealt with in the strictest confidence. The testing procedure involves employees at all levels in the company.to create and build on a culture of trust on this delicate issue, a spirit of caring, openness and confidence between management and associates is encouraged. Management has fully subscribed to the "Lead by Example" campaign and this has seen the Managing Director, Board members, managers and team leaders volunteering to be tested in order to encourage the rest of the workforce to come forward without fear of any form of discrimination. Additional professional staff members have been appointed to assist in reaching testing and counselling targets. Departments and teams have challenged each The Body Shop management team has taken a lead in the BMW fight against HIV/AIDS by all going for voluntary tests for the disease, and challenging their colleagues to follow their example. other to achieve maximum test numbers and this positive spirit together with word of mouth has proved very effective in encouraging employees to be tested. about your HIV status allows you to make rship of you own health and lifestyle. 11

14 HIV infection is no longer an automatic death sentence. The development of effective antiretroviral therapies means that the opportunistic illnesses associated with HIV infection can be effectively treated and that people living with HIV/AIDS can now live longer and better-quality lives. As part of its overall HIV/AIDS initiative, BMW has developed and introduced a Wellness Programme, geared to assist our associates who are HIV positive to lead longer, more productive lives. Our Occupational Health staff provides HIV positive associates with ongoing advice on nutrition, lifestyle and exercise. They also assist with regular health monitoring and all-important psychological support. HIV positive associates and dependants receive treatment via the BMW Medical Aid Scheme s clinical disease management programme, Aid for AIDS (AfA). AfA was the first HIV management programme of its kind on offer by medical schemes in South Africa. Members have confidential access to a range of benefits including the full battery of medication to treat HIV and prevent opportunistic infections such as TB. Individualized support and regular monitoring of disease progression are also part of the AfA benefit programme. Should employees or dependents require hospitalisation, AfA will arrange pre-authorisation of their hospital admission and manage their hospital stay. AfA will also refer patients and their families to registered counsellors to help them 12 BMW has developed and introduced our associates who are HIV positive

15 deal with emotional and psychological difficulties that arise as a consequence of living with HIV. AfA will also provide information on support services and support groups Patients also have free access to a telephonic Nurse-Line for help with administrative queries relating to application forms, claiming procedures and benefit information as well as clinical queries about HIV-related illnesses, drugs and special investigations. Throughout the treatment process, AfA guarantees to maintain patient confidentiality. Peer educators are a vital source of information about HIV/AIDS as well as a source of care and support for their colleagues. a Wellness Programme, geared to assist to lead longer, more productive lives. 13

16 The primary focus of the BMW South Africa HIV/AIDS programme is on our employees. The company is however actively planning to reach well beyond the BMW workforce to families and communities as well as suppliers and dealers as part of its strategy for the continuum of care. To further this aim of extending education, care and treatment to the communities in which its associates reside, BMW South Africa has entered into a public private partnership with SEQUA, an agency of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development to provide funding for a holistic communitybased Multipurpose Care Centre. The planned facility will house an HIV/AIDS information, counseling and testing centre, a health services clinic, skills development project facilities, a library, municipal services, and mother and child care facilities. It is foreseen that the centre will be self-contained and administered by members of the community, with the ongoing support and guidance of BMW. To ensure the success of the project, BMW is in the process of establishing a resource base of available health and social support services in surrounding communities. BMW continuously networks with other businesses, government 14 The company is actively planning to workforce to families and communi dealers as part of its strategy for the

17 departments and nongovernmental organizations to share information and to establish best practice in dealing with the pandemic. BMW is a member of the South African Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (SABCOHA), an organization representing the South African business sector in its campaign against HIV and AIDS. World AIDS Day 2001 was marked with an intensive information campaign including a display in the company restaurant at Plant Rosslyn. reach well beyond the BMW ties as well as suppliers and continuum of care. 15

18 1. SUBJECTAND SCOPE This Guideline regulates the implementation of : (i) preventative actions to minimise or delay HIV/AIDS infections amongst BMW employees; and (ii) contingency plans to manage the impact of the disease. 2. OBJECTIVES BMW ZA* is committed to assist the country in its fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic and in this regard it has identified the following objectives: (i) to implement education and awareness campaigns; (ii) to minimise the social, economic and developmental consequences to employees and the company; (iii) to provide resources and management skills to implement HIV/AIDS and associated programmes; (iv) to implement and maintain counselling services for employees and to ensure that critical protocols in the treatment of people infected with HIV/AIDS are observed; (v) to encourage employees to volunteer to test their HIV/AIDS status and enable HIV/AIDS infected employees to utilise the benefits available through BMW ZA s* medical aid scheme. 3. PROGRAMME AND PERSONNEL ISSUES 3.1 General Against the background of existing knowledge regarding the HIV/AIDS epidemic, BMW ZA* acknowledges that: (i) this epidemic poses one of the greatest challenges to the business development in South Africa; (ii) HIV/AIDS-related absenteeism, loss of productivity and the 16

19 cost of replacing workers lost to the AIDS epidemic threaten the survival of business and other sectors of the South African economy; (iii) HIV/AIDS is not transmitted by casual contact between people in society or by employees in the workplace, but that there is a direct link between HIV/AIDS infection and sexual contact; (iv) HIV/AIDS infection can be controlled through changes in human behaviour; and (v) all opportunities available to reduce suffering and prolonging the lives of HIV/AIDS sufferers should be utilised; (vi) HIV/AIDS will be treated no differently from other diseases in the workplace. 3.2 Programmes Organisational Risk Reduction BMW ZA* will ensure that preventative programmes are implemented to minimise the risk associated with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Such preventative programmes will include campaigns regarding awareness and education, condom distribution, universal acceptable precautionary measures, sexually transmitted diseases and wellness management programmes. 3.3 Personnel Issues BMW ZA* will not tolerate unfair discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on his/her HIV/AIDS status. Employees right to privacy will be maintained at all times and confidential information regarding employees HIV/AIDS status shall be kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed unless the employee s written consent has been obtained. Employment benefits as set out in BMW ZA s* Personnel Guideline (ZA- 22) shall not discriminate against HIV/AIDS infected employees although it is acknowledged that the cost of such employment benefits may be affected in terms of contributions required. 3.4 Monitoring and Review BMW ZA* undertakes to review this Guideline on a regular basis to take account of the progression of the epidemic, development in medical care, experience in managing the epidemic in the workplace, legislative changes and its impact on employment benefits available to employees of BMW ZA*. * BMW South Africa

20 BMW s drive against HIV/AIDS Tel Fax