AngloGold Signs Pact to Fight AIDS

AngloGold, one of the world's largest mining groups, signed an agreement with five trade unions last week to combat HIV/AIDS in its mines, which employ about 45,000 people. The partnership involves strengthening projects to educate workers about HIV transmission and encouraging them to use the company's voluntary HIV testing and counseling facilities. It also includes monitoring infection levels at the company and persuading those who test positive for HIV to use the company's wellness centers. The agreement was signed by AngloGold's CEO Bobby Godsell and representatives of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Mine Workers Union-Solidarity, the National Employees Trade Union, the SA Equity Workers' Association and the United Association of South Africa. AngloGold is conducting a feasibility study on providing its workers with antiretroviral drugs and is involved in HIV research. Godsell said the company is also working to prevent TB and had reduced TB prevalence in HIV-infected workers by 80 percent. Godsell estimated that 15 percent to 35 percent of AngloGold's workers are HIV-infected.

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