Old Mutual Group in Kenya is clear on its position regarding HIV/AIDS: it is aware of the seriousness of HIV/AIDS as a medical, social, and economic reality and fully recognises the tragic implications associated with this pandemic, as well as the potential enormousness of its socio-economic implications. The Kenya Group accepts its responsibility to manage the

HIV/AIDS threat to its business and personnel and undertakes:

• To support efforts to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS among employees;
• To reduce fears and dispel myths about the disease;
• To respect the rights of employees with HIV/AIDS;
• To assist with employee access to appropriate and affordable healthcare; and
• To work with employees in informing and supporting efforts to arrest the disease.

Old Mutual Kenya’s plan encompasses economic impact containment, epidemic impact containment, living with HIV/AIDS, and programme development. Based on this strategy, the results of the voluntary anonymous HIV/AIDS prevalence testing performed towards the end of 2003, and the partnership with staff, activities are coordinated in several areas.

Leadership commitment

The visible involvement of both Group and stakeholder leadership is critical to the success of our HIV/AIDS initiatives.
It is the responsibility of the Group, together with stakeholders, to develop a comprehensive strategy and programme of responses to manage HIV/AIDS in the Group and in local communities, interacting with the Ministry of Health and other service providers with regard to family and individuals.
Information, education, ownership, communication and training

Workplace Education
Leadership training has increased management's ability to deal with the complexities of HIV-positive employees.

Through various internal media, the Group has been able to communicate more information regarding HIV/AIDS-related issues. Fact sheets and booklets regarding HIV transmission, working with HIV-positive employees, employee rights, and access to medication and treatment are communicated, reinforcing the work done by peer educators. All employees, including Board members, management, as well as members of surrounding communities, are targeted.

Peer educators undergo briefings and refresher training to ensure that they are up to date with current information and are the foundation of the education process. Peer educators have been trained and briefed in Voluntary Counselling and Testing to advise and guide employees and alleviate the burden on counsellors.
34 new volunteer peer educators were identified and trained in 2003.

Ownership
A key to the Groups HIV/AIDS program is the pillar that responsibility for the whole program is on a basis of individuals taking personal ownership of the program’ as far as it relates to that person. Leadership and Education will be provided; Ownership of the various aspects of the program is to be encouraged at a personal level.

Condom distribution
Condom distribution is an intrinsic part of peer education and of the Voluntary Counselling and Testing programme. Distribution points are toilets within the workplace. Peer educators and designated personnel check distribution points on a regular basis and stocks are replenished when necessary. During the stock replenishment process, peer educators and designated personnel check expiry dates, and seals.

Ongoing risk assessments
The 2003 voluntary prevalence testing will be used as a project to create projections to 2008 in respect of prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Some 143 respondents participated, representing a sample of 98%. A further group test will be undertaken in 2005 in order to ascertain a preliminary trend. Further testing necessities will be determined once this analysis has been undertaken.

Old Mutual prevalence 2003
The 2003 Group voluntary testing program reflected a HIV positive prevalence of some 1.748%. The prevalence findings will be incorporated into the Old Mutual financial planning model, and will be used to direct business in terms of risk management. Risk assessment will incorporate direct and indirect costs.

Policy review and development
The Old Mutual HIV/AIDS policy will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure incorporation of new knowledge and/or legislative requirements. The strategy is reviewed on an annual basis. Reviews include an assessment of policy effectiveness and the success of programme components.

Reporting
A monthly HIV/AIDS report has been introduced as a standing agenda item in the Group’s management meeting.

Budget
Due to the current low incidence of HIV/AIDS within the Group no specific budget allocation is deemed necessary. This will be reviewed on an ad hoc basis.

Voluntary counselling and testing
The Group's Voluntary Counselling and Testing programme is intended to promote behavioural change and ensures comprehensive care and support.

Communication of the programme is achieved through the Group's various internal media, newsletters, and predominantly through peer educators.

Provision of antiretroviral therapy
The Group has disseminated information relating to antiretroviral therapy and how to obtain free or subsidised drugs to its employees in 2004. Training and support will be provided to develop the skills necessary to ensure success in preventing the development of resistance to medication.