Sustainability website / HIV and AIDS / Community initiatives

To ensure its workplace programmes are sustainable and to contribute to the wellbeing of the communities associated with its operations, Xstrata Coal has extended access to HIV-related testing, treatment and support services to the community through the company-built community clinic in Breyten and in partnership with government health services. The Breyten community health clinic was constructed in 2005 and had been visited by over 3,400 community members, with around 890 people enrolled in treatment at the end of 2007. Outreach workers in the community extend these services further to community members who may not be able to leave their homes to access testing and treatment. Donor co-investment means Xstrata’s funding of almost $1.5 million over the past two years has already been matched by US Government PEPFAR funds. These contributions have initially targeted communities in Mpumalanga Province, particularly around the coal powerbelt towns of Breyten and Witbank, where more than 20% of adults are living with HIV.

Tanzania

The 2007 UNAIDS/WHO AIDS Epidemic Update report estimates that prevalence rates in Tanzania have slightly declined to around 7% of the population. Socio-economic data collected at the Kabanga project in Tanzania indicates that risks relating to HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis are currently relatively low. At present, malaria presents the greatest health risk to employees and communities. However, HIV/AIDS risks are likely to become more pronounced as the project enters into a construction phase, when a significant population influx is expected into the region.

In 2008 the project will develop and implement an HIV/AIDS policy and awareness action plan for project personnel. In advance of the project entering into the construction phase, a full HIV/AIDS programme will be implemented including strengthening the local health delivery infrastructure by providing training to village health workers in counselling, diagnosis and treatment and offering VCT to all Kabanga site workers.