11th February 2003

Firms launch Aids initiative
By Mike Mwaniki

Some 18 Kenyan firms with French connection have launched an HIV/Aids initiative to shield infected employees from discrimination at the work place.

The companies, under the aegis of the French Business Club, said the HIV/Aids policy charter would ensure that its members do not carry out direct or indirect screening for the scourge as a pre-employment assessment “unless it is to the detriment of the health of the customers”.

The policy would bind member firms to start formal HIV/Aids programmes, emphasising on peer education.

Voluntary testing would be encouraged but remain strictly confidential, and HIV/Aids counseling services would be provided to all employees.
Member firms would also be bound to ensure that infected employees are deployed in areas “compatible” with their status.

Besides, the companies would be encouraged to support any legislation geared towards making anti-retroviral drugs more affordable.

High-profile firms

The companies include Alcatel East Africa Ltd, Bamburi Cement Company Ltd, DCDM Associate, D. T. Dobie, Haco Industries, Howse & McGeorge Laborex Ltd, Hotel Intercontinental, Nestle Foods Kenya Ltd, Petroleum and Ind Services, Pollen, Professional Digital Systems Ltd, Red Lands Roses and Schneider Electric South Africa (Pty).

Others are Seureca, SGS (K) Ltd, Schlegel+Frischknecht International Ltd, Total Kenya Ltd and KenCell Communications Ltd.

Speaking at the signing of the charter in Nairobi last week, Club chairman Phillipe Vanderbrouck also announced a Sh1 million donation by the firms to the Kenya Red Cross Society to assist in the fight against HIV/Aids.

The function was attended by Health Minister Charity Ngilu, visiting French Secretary of State for Sustainable Development Tokia Saifi and World Health Organisation Country Representative Dr. Peter Eriki.

Mrs. Ngilu said the initiative “sent positive signals” and should be emulated.
Ms. Saifi said her government had allocated 15 million euros this year to the fight against HIV/Aids in sub-Saharan Africa countries.