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R/£ Aids virus facts box
July 24, 2007 Edition 1
Where is Aida infection growing fastest?
Aids is growing most rapidly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The biggest epidemic in Central Asia is in Uzbekistan, which possesses large mineral resources such as gold, copper, zinc, coal and uranium and straddles major drug-trafficking routes. Much smaller epidemics are under way in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. As mines are depleted in traditional areas such as Canada, Australia and Africa, exploration has moved to more remote areas such as Mongolia and Papua New Guinea.
Why are miners in the frontline?
The majority of mineworkers are men and many risk their lives daily by going deep underground to look for metals. Many are migrant workers, despite efforts by larger mining firms to stop employing migrants. The absence of social constraints that prevail at home, loneliness and boredom create a high-risk environment.
What are the risks of inaction for mining companies?
A shortage of highly trained mining engineers means a severe Aids epidemic could seriously threaten mine production. With more employees falling sick due to HIV/Aids, companies face increased costs for health insurance, sick leave and funeral benefits. Companies also bear the costs of recruiting and training new staff. Lower morale threatens the stable environment needed to sustain operations. Figures have shown an untreated employee may cost his company over three times as much as his annual salary.
What are mining companies doing about it?
In May, health experts from seven mining giants met for the first time in London, forming a group to come up with an improved strategy on how to halt the spread of Aids. Most large mining corporations have an HIV strategy in place.
What are the risks for governments?
Aids strikes people in their most productive years and forces countries to reassess budgeting decisions, as they must decide whether to divert spending to healthcare. The growing need for services and declining revenue leaves governments with increasing deficits, deterring foreign investment. The decline in consumer spending as a result of HIV/Aids is also associated with a decrease in government revenue.
What are governments doing about it?
Governments have put pressure on pharmaceutical companies to cut the cost of antiretroviral drugs. Countries such as Thailand, Brazil and Uganda have managed to avoid infection rates at the level of SA through awareness programmes and condom distribution. But others have HIV further down the agenda, especially in regions where the disease is concentrated among prisoners, sex workers and drug users. - Reuters
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