Anglo American announces that it is supporting UNAIDS’ #ProTEST HIV global campaign at the 21st International AIDS Conference.
This collaboration aims to contribute to the goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030, by promoting the importance of voluntary HIV testing, which is a critical intervention that helps link care and support for those infected with HIV and broader prevention programmes.
Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American said: “Our partnership with UNAIDS highlights the kind of collaborative work needed to see the first HIV-free generation. At Anglo American, we aim to be partners in the future with our host countries and communities, through both operating excellence and directing our efforts where they will have the most sustainable positive impact. The health of our employees is of course one such area. I am proud of the results of our steadfast support of HIV/AIDS awareness, testing and treatment over 30 years. More multi-stakeholder efforts like this campaign will help us all meet the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.”
The fight against HIV/AIDS is a cause that has grown over the past two decades. Globally, health care systems have improved, and more people now have access to antiretroviral treatment. At Anglo American, we have been fortunate to collaborate with government and civil society organizations to implement our HIV/AIDS programmes across the world in communities where we operate over the last 30 years.
Despite these achievements and the progress made, the road to an AIDS-free generation still lies ahead of us. This is why we have collaborated with UNAIDS in support of their #ProTEST HIV global campaign.
UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, said: “UNAIDS values the important role business can play in raising awareness—through targeted campaigns—and in creating a healthier labour force by encouraging employees to know their HIV status, and access HIV prevention services, treatment and care.”
Anglo American and UNAIDS have also launched a social media campaign prompting members of the public to spread the word about the campaign by uploading their selfie using the hashtags #ProTESTHIV and #GenEndIt on to their social media channels, which will automatically drive traffic to the protesthiv.org website.