adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
MASVINGO Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Kudakwashe Bhasikiti has urged companies and organisations operating in the province to embrace HIV/Aids workplace policies amid reports that 78 percent of the companies are yet to comply with the government requirement.
Cde Bhasikiti told heads of government departments and company executives during a National Aids Council (NAC) meeting in Masvingo that HIV and Aids remained a burden to the country’s health.
“I am surprised to learn that from 181 companies in the province, 162 have not implemented HIV at the workplace policy. That represents 78 percent of defaulting companies and that is a cause for grave concern,” said Cde Bhasikiti.
He said there was a need for increased dialogue with companies to ensure the private sector takes bold steps in dealing with HIV and Aids in the workplace.
“There are companies, 44 of them, which are not aware of the policy, which is guided by Statutory Instrument 2002/98. There is no need to wait for the next day. I urge you all to go and implement this statutory requirement, which is also supported by His Excellence, President Mugabe,” said Cde Bhasikiti.
He commended Tongaat Hullet company in the Lowveld for embracing the policy and coming up with a specific budget for HIV and Aids programmes.
Cde Bhasikiti said such approaches were set to enhance increased productivity and improved health of the workforce.
Masvingo’s HIV prevalence rate is estimated to be 14 percent.
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