Among the results of the recent Mining Industry HIV/AIDS Summit near Johannesburg is a resolution that all workplaces in South Africa institute sound policies and programs to deal with AIDS by next year.
The resolution is contained in a declaration signed by all participants of the summit, including the South African Chamber of Mines, the government, and labour unions.
All the policies proposed are aimed at encouraging openness about the disease and reducing stigmatization, discrimination and prejudice against workers who are infected.
The signed declaration notes that HIV/AIDS has far-reaching social and economic implications and that these are not yet fully known.
A tripartite HIV/AIDS committee was established to co-ordinate efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in the mining industry. The body will play a role in the implementation of the declaration, working closely with all relevant parties.
Labour representative Gwede Mantashe of the National Union of Mineworkers said there was a need to share resources among stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Several South African mining companies, such as AngloGold and Gold Fields, have already started AIDS programs to help afflicted employees.
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