Public health

Our employees are also part of the local communities in which we operate, and any public health issues confronting the community affect our workforce as well. We aim to address health risks that may impact our workforce, their families or the communities associated with our operations. We work in partnership with communities, public health authorities and other stakeholders to improve education, protection and prevention of public health risks and widespread diseases. Further details of Xstrata’s public health engagement initiatives are provided in the Community health section of this report.

HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis

In certain parts of the world where we operate, HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis are major public health challenges. However, these diseases are preventable and treatable. In the regions where we operate, Xstrata seeks to play its part in reducing the incidence of these diseases, and where this is not possible, ensure that the impacts associated with them are minimised for the individuals and communities affected.

HIV and AIDS

Xstrata Alloys and Xstrata Coal, our businesses operating in southern Africa, have 100% targets for their HIV/AIDS programmes:

• 100% of employees and contractors know their HIV status; and
• 100% of HIV-positive employees and contractors are enrolled in treatment.

We have a broad range of programmes that are designed to move us closer to achieving the 100% targets. These include:

• Community initiatives such as improving access to healthcare, working with traditional healers and conducting a door-to-door outreach programme, which encourage HIV-positive employees and contractors and their dependents to take up and remain in appropriate treatment programmes;
• Voluntary HIV testing and counselling – all employees and contractors receive time off from their shift to participate in annual health assessments, provided by an independent organisation;
• Access to free healthcare and treatment through easily available channels for all HIV-positive employees and contractors and their dependents;
• Xstrata Coal SA has implemented the I know the way to live!™ initiative developed by Re-Action! (a professional services agency for health and sustainability); and
• Eradication of single sex hostels for mineworkers.

These initiatives are complemented by education and awarenessraising programmes and are undertaken in close partnership with unions and employees’ families and partners. Training and education programmes cover a broad range of health issues in addition to HIV and AIDS.

As a part of Xstrata Alloys’ wellness programme which has been implemented in all 16 of its operations in South Africa, the sites have achieved high participation rates in voluntary HIV testing, ranging between 88% and 97% (2009: 92%). At the end of 2010, 60% of HIV-positive employees were enrolled in treatment programmes (2009: 62%).

Malaria

Malaria is widespread in a number of the locations where we work, especially in Africa. Severe cases of malaria can cause death, especially if the disease remains untreated. Though it is a significant problem across tropical and sub-tropical regions, even basic precautions – such as the consistent use of inexpensive bed nets (especially where they are treated with insecticide) – can dramatically reduce its incidence. At our sites located in malaria-infested regions, we undertake targeted workplace initiatives that include testing and treating employees, eliminating mosquito breeding habitats, providing insecticide-treated bed nets, routinely spraying insecticide and using repellents.

Tuberculosis

Xstrata’s TB protocol supports our South African HIV and AIDS programmes. TB is a major cause of death in HIV-positive sub-Saharan communities, and communities often face a double pandemic of HIV/AIDS and TB. Testing for TB is part of annual medical screening. All employees and contractors who test positive are provided with prophylactic treatment to prevent spreading of the disease.