Gold Fields extends AIDS program

Johannesburg-based Gold Fields is extending its medical program to include highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) as a treatment option for employees with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

HAART will initially be made available at all the company’s South African operations.

The success of HAART is dependent on rigorous adherence to strict treatment protocols in order to prevent mutation of the virus into resistant strains and ensure optimal benefit to patients.

In December 2001, Gold Fields and all its unions and associations created a partnership to manage HIV/AIDS. Counselling, testing and treatment programs were then established.