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VOLKSWAGEN of South Africa’s board of management and Numsa officials recently confirmed their support of the government’s call for the commitment of businesses in its national HIV testing campaign.

On World Aids Day (December 1) President Jacob Zuma announced a number of significant changes to more effectively address the HIV pandemic. These included a massive campaign to mobilise all South Africans to get tested for HIV, changes to treatment protocols and improved access to HIV counselling, testing and treatment at all health institutions in the country.

VW then got its board of management and senior Numsa officials on board to lead from the front, hoping that it would inspire the close on 6000 staff members to participate as well.

The test is voluntary and those tested will be individually and confidentially counselled regarding the outcome of the test.

VW head David Powels and Numsa chairman Thanduxolo Kosani were among the people who agreed to a public HIV test.

Speaking at the testing station, Powels said: “We are consciously taking up the government’s challenge. In fact, we have been conducting daily testing at the plant for the last nine years through a comprehensive Wellness Programme and have rolled out a plan to set up HIV programmes and testing in our supply chain companies. A total of 87% of our workforce tested in round one and just over 60% have tested during the second round of testing currently under way.

“New HIV infections continue unabated and I, together with my board and Numsa challenge all other chief executives and unions to either set up programmes at their workplaces or make it possible for their employees to be tested at nearby facilities in support of the campaign.”