Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association (Johannesburg) - April 2, 2003
"These companies should, just like the mining sector, do an impact study ... and approach it from that angle," Izaak Minnaar, an employee benefits actuary, said.
"The cost of implementing such a programme is less than if they do nothing. (HIV/Aids) is a financial risk to the companies," he said.
Minnaar was speaking at the launch of the 21st Annual Report on Labour Relations and Employee Benefits in South Africa. Labour economist Andrew Levy compiled the report.
Last year, mining houses AngloGold, De Beers, Harmony and Anglo Platinum committed themselves to create programmes that seek to reduce the impact of HIV/Aids to their workforce.
De Beers and AngloGold went further, and declared that they would start HIV/Aids treatment programmes for all their employees.
The report said: "In the absence of a dramatic medical breakthrough, it is becoming obvious that nobody in the corporate world will escape the financial consequences.
"The only possible hope for alleviation lies in a concerted intervention strategy by all stakeholders to slow down the progression of the epidemic, and to manage the associated risks," the document said.
It said the number of people, who were infected with Aids in South Africa was projected to peak at about 7.7 million in 2006 to 2007, and to taper off to about 7.2 million by 2010 -- mainly as a result of increased Aids mortality.
"It is estimated that due to the Aids pandemic, Gauteng (South Africa's economic hub) could lose 500000 of the potentially economically active population between the ages of 20 and 59," the report said.
The shrinking of the working age population would translate directly into a decrease in available labour resources and a risk of declining productivity as a result of the pandemic.
In 2002, the United National Aids programme reported that about five million South Africans lived with HIV/Aids, and some 4.7 million of these people were aged between 15 and 49.
"With the decline in the economically active population, expenditure on sickness and related benefits and pensions for surviving dependants will increase as a percentage of the national wage bill.
"At the same time, tax revenues will decrease and government will have less resources available for economic development," the report said.
Levy said even though the government said in 2002 that it was committed to fighting the pandemic, its commitment was uncertain.
"The manner and extent of this commitment is uncertain in light of its (government's) past record of ambivalence," he said.
"There has still not been an unequivocal commitment by the state (to fighting HIV/Aids), but there is a severe epidemic and it is growing," Levy said.
030402
SA030402
Copyright © 2003 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .