|
Thursday, 12 March 2009 08:00 |
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – 12th March 2009
“Fear, denial, stigma and discrimination are some of the greatest barriers in effectively and efficiently addressing HIV and AIDS in South Africa. These barriers have far reaching consequences, from stopping key role players and decision makers implementing sound policies and procedures, not only in the public sector, but also the health and private sectors, to fuelling the continuous spread of HIV and AIDS,” says Christopher McCreanor, Training Manager and HIV/AIDS Champion for Fusion SA.
Fusion Outsourcing Services (Pty) Ltd (Fusion SA), the South African business process outsourcing & offshoring division of UK insurance provider BGL Group, is committed to breaking down these barriers and encouraging key role players to unite in support of fighting the battle against HIV/AIDS. Fikelela is one of Fusion SA’s preferred charities. With its name meaning ‘reach out’, it was founded in 2000 with the vision to provide an active Christian response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa.
Khayelitsha has been flagged as the township within the Western Cape with the highest HIV rates – pre-natal health surveys reflect 33% HIV infection rates (South African Medical Journal June 2006). Due to the centre’s progressive preventative and treatment model, Fikelela was the natural choice for Fusion SA for a stop during the Board’s visit.
Committed to supporting charitable causes in the local areas of all of its companies, the BGL Group believes that South Africa is no exception. “We are pleased to support children living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa by contributing to the vital work of Fikelela. Its mission is invaluable in both reducing the number of new infections and driving HIV/AIDS education and care,” said BGL Chief Executive, Peter Winslow.
On the back of the Board’s support of Fikelela and its fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa, Fusion SA’s staff joined forces to raise further funds in aid of a much needed hamper of nappies, cereals and non-perishable items for the children’s home. One of the core values of the BGL Group is to ‘Be someone who makes a difference’ – a behaviour reflected by every member of its workforce across the world. |
