NamPower has a longstanding HIV/AIDS programme that has evolved as both the epidemic and the company’s understanding of it has grown.  

1.         Company response

The key elements of NamPower’s HIV/AIDS programme include: 

(i)         Risk assessment

To evaluate the scale of HIV in the company. The risks have been identified in terms of:

- existing levels of HIV/AIDS within the workforce

- costs of HIV/AIDS to the company (absenteeism, recruitment/replacement cost, etc.)

- costs to the company from benefits (pension, medical aid, etc.) 

(ii)        Non-discriminatory policy on HIV/AIDS

NamPower’s HIV/AIDS policy is based on the principles of the protection and enhancement of human rights in the work place. The policy is developed in line with the Namibian National Code on HIV/AIDS in Employment as well as the Labour Act (No. 6 of 1992). It has been endorsed by the NamPower Board, Management, Trade Union (MUN) and employee representatives. 

(iii)       Awareness, education and prevention

This includes the use of trained peer educators and persons living positively with HIV/AIDS. The programme encourages employees to develop their own strategies for HIV prevention through the use of the ABC-strategy: Abstain, Be mutually faithful, Condom use. The company ensures the availability and distribution of condoms. Confidential voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) is provided at the two company clinics as well as at external service providers through the use of the medical benefit. 

(iv)       Care, support and treatment

The company provides a range of care, support and treatment services through company clinics and in partnership with other healthcare service providers. The aim is to help employees living with HIV/AIDS to continue contributing to the company as well as their families for as long as possible. 

2.         Results and lessons learned

NamPower commissioned a prevalence study in 2002 coupled with several impact assessment studies over the past years. Such studies have provided reliable information on the impact of the pandemic on the company and are used to direct an effective company response.

Access to Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) was amongst the priority issues for the company and its inclusion as part of the medical benefits to all employees and their dependants helped achieve high levels of employee involvement and satisfaction with the overall programme, including participation in VCT.  

Commitment, support and cooperation from the NamPower Board, Management and Union contribute to the success of the programme. A low incidence of discrimination against employees with HIV/AIDS and the availability of treatment provide an avenue for employees to seek information about risk and their HIV/AIDS status.   

3.         The way forward

NamPower has made great strides in addressing HIV/AIDS in the company. It will however continue to carefully monitor the programme and the impact thereof, making the necessary adaptations to guarantee effectiveness and sustainability. 

For further information you can contact the Wellness / HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator at the NamPower Centre, Tel (061) 205 4111.