Mine's pre-employment medicals do not require HIV-AIDS test- MD

Obuasi, Dec 7, GNA - AngloGold Ashanti (Obuasi mine) pre-employment medical examinations do not require HIV-AIDS test, Mr Kwesi Enyan, the Managing Director (MD), has said.

"To demonstrate our commitment to treating each other with dignity and respect, the highlights of the company HIV/AIDS policy has it that we do not require HIV test as part of our pre- employment medical fitness"

Speaking at the company's celebration of World AIDS' Day at Obuasi, Mr Enyan said they have been providing voluntary counselling, testing and anti-retroviral treatment for those infected.

He emphasized that AngloGold Ashanti is committed to the joint action committee on workplace HIV/AIDS programme through the provision of the necessary resources, including the appointment of the disease's co-ordinator, provision of testing and treatment facilities and awareness promotion.

Mr Enyan announced that the company has so far spent GH¢45,000 on know your HIV status campaign, which started in November, last year.

The MD said over 3,644 employees, representing about 52 percent of the work force had been covered by the campaign and "we will continue to commit resources to the programme, to ensure that our employees derive maximum protection against the deadly infection."