Sandvik wins award for HIV/AIDS prevention work

Sandvik Zimbabwe has won the Swedish workplace HIV and AIDS Program (SWHAP) Achievement Award 2015 in the category for Most Comprehensive program. The award recognises the sustainable and comprehensive approach that Sandvik takes in addressing the health of its employees and the efforts in community outreach.

The awards were officiated by Lars Ronnas, Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe and were presented at the SWHAP 2015 Annual Conference in Harare, Zimbabwe. Mr. Ronnas praised the collective efforts of unions, employers and employees in coming together to address HIV and promote good health. He said, "This program is an excellent example of how employers and employees can join hands for a common cause. Swedish companies recognise that business is good for them when done with a sustainable approach. When trade unions look after the interest of their members, they recognise that thriving business is also to their benefits."

"A solid workplace wellness program is actually a simple decision" comments Ian Bagshaw, Country Manager Sandvik Zimbabwe. "It's just good business practice. And to make it successful, all you need is passionate people, energetic peer counsellors and a great mentor – which SWHAP is for us."

"The award is a wonderful recognition of the work we do every day within health and safety for our people, our customers, and our suppliers striving to reach our Zero Harm vision" says Christina Båge-Friborg, Head of Sustainable Business at Sandvik. "It also acknowledges our consistent and long-term commitment to the communities in which we operate".

SWHAP is an initiative from the International Council of Swedish Industry (NIR) and the Swedish Industrial and Metalworkers' Union (IF Metall) to support HIV and AIDS programs at Swedish related workplaces in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/03122015/sandvik-wins-award-for-hiv-aids-prevention-work-107/