By end of 2006 testing cycle, over 62 percent of employees knew their HIV status at the Silverton plant and over 56 percent at the Port Elizabeth plant. FMCSA's goal is to have 100% tested employees by the end of 2007 and to continue at 100% each and every year. With the manufacturing sector experiencing a great impact with reduced workforce productivity and increasing absenteeism rate as a result of workers being infected, FMCSA has programmes in place to maintain the current 5% prevalence rate within its operations.
FMCSA encourages health promotion programmes that focus on reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS among its employees. Another innovative initiative has been the introduction of a wellness newsletter where voluntary counselling and testing results, training status and health issues are communicated to employees.
Various health issues such as tuberculosis, hypertension and sexually transmitted diseases are discussed in this medium which is issued to employees on a monthly basis. Communication and awareness programs are held regularly to de-stigmatise the issue among employees, encourage open dialogue and to encourage staff to know their status. Testing barometers; placed in all four canteen areas, were introduced to communicate the testing participation results and encourage further participation amongst employees.
Through the provision of counselling, employees have developed channels of support for themselves as well as their family members. Employees who test HIV positive are assisted towards treatment through a disease management programme which is offered by their medical aid schemes. FMCSA has also established a partnership with government departments to ensure provision of medication for those who are not on medical aides to cover the cost of anti-retroviral treatments.
