South Africa -- Volkswagen Unveils Project to Fight HIV/AIDS

Volkswagen South Africa this week became the largest employer in the local automotive sector to launch an ambitious program to tackle HIV/AIDS. The program, which will launch next week, involves voluntary testing and is designed both to prevent the spread of the disease and to support infected workers. "The devastating impact of HIV/AIDS is rolling back decades of development progress in Africa and is impacting on every element of our society from teachers, farmers, workers, to managers. All of us are under attack," said company Chief Executive Hans Christian Maergner. "It follows that the motor industry in South Africa is also going to suffer. As more and more people become sick, there will be pressure on families, the workplace, the community and economy." The program was drawn up with help from the German cooperation and development ministry.

Back to other CDC news for July 26, 2002

Previous Updates