HIV/AIDS
Addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic is both a moral and a business imperative. In countries where the disease is prevalent or spreading, and where people lack access to the necessary health care, HIV/AIDS poses threats to our workforce and the communities in which we operate.
In 1999, we began to develop a blueprint for a comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS in our operations in South Africa, a country where more than 5 million people are infected with the virus. Building on that experience, we adopted a global HIV/AIDS policy in 2003. Its key principles are nondiscrimination in hiring and employment; a safe and healthy work environment; confidentiality and privacy; prevention; and care and support. Nearly a decade later, the South African program continues to be strong, with peer education groups, HIV/AIDS booklets for employees and their families, and employee volunteer initiatives to help people living with the disease.
To provide further guidance in implementing the policy, we have also developed HIV/AIDS Program Guidelines. An important element of our approach is that each country operation implementing the program assesses its local needs, often with the help of local NGOs or other experts, and tailors a culturally appropriate program based on the policy and guidance. Ford's Executive Physician, International Clinical Operations, reviews each country's program plans.
In early 2004, Ford launched an HIV/AIDS Workplace and Community Initiative, expanding our programs to additional countries, including China, India, Thailand and Russia. We selected these countries based on the prevalence of infection (India, for example, is second only to South Africa in the number of people infected), its rate of spread, our business presence and our market opportunity.
Ford's China, India and Thailand locations began implementing the Initiative, and by 2006 had completed the employee training process and offering voluntary counseling and testing onsite. Educational materials and condoms are distributed to the workforce in these locations.
In Russia, Ford operations started its HIV/AIDS Initiative, and is making progress on delivering training materials by plant medical personnel. Voluntary testing is provided by governmental clinics upon application.
During 2006, Ford South Africa achieved its highest participation ever in its voluntary testing program. More than 60 percent of employees participated in the Company's "Choose Life" campaign. Ford South Africa's comprehensive program focuses on education, awareness, prevention, care and treatment and was recognized with the 2006 Star of Africa award by the American Chamber of Commerce.
Ford of Brazil has delivered HIV/AIDS awareness training to its workforce in all manufacturing locations, and continues to provide educational material through its wellness program "Viva Bem." Aligned with a broad governmental campaign, "Viva Bem" has also included free condom distribution to employees, and voluntary counseling and testing during the year or during the promotional campaign every 12 months.
Ford of Mexico is participating in an innovative national partnership model – known by its Spanish acronym CONAES – that involves the governments of the United States (USAID) and Mexico (CENSIDA), a group of multinational companies and NGOs. Ford of Mexico is a Charter member of CONAES and currently a member of the board of directors. In 2006, Ford of Mexico received an "HIV/AIDS Workplace Certification" supported by CENSIDA. In addition, Ford leads one of CONAES's three committees (on Programs and Communication). This committee seeks to share best practices among companies, develop surveys, and get and distribute information about HIV/AIDS.
In March 2007, Ford was invited to be the only U.S. company featured in a high-profile program in Mumbai, India, entitled "The Private Sector and the Fight Against HIV/AIDS: The Case of India." Other speakers included representatives of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID and several of India's leading companies.
Ford was the first automaker to issue a detailed report on the effects of HIV/AIDS on the Company using the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative.