THE COMMENDED PROGRAM

In 2004, Sher Karuturi began a workplace HIV/AIDS program with the aim of creating a work environment that supported employees and their families in dealing with the disease. In 2006, with the threat of other health issues on the rise, the program expanded to include tuberculosis and malaria.

The company's workplace efforts focus on educating employees about their health risks, giving them access to screening and testing, and providing treatment where necessary. Sher Karuturi has seen great successes deploying resources to its employees-for example, while the company only distributed 500 condoms in 2005, that number increased to 18,000 by 2008.

Sher Karuturi is committed not only to encouraging HIV testing-all employees with a cough for more than two weeks receive TB tests and all those with a fever are tested for malaria. The company's treatment efforts have already saved hundreds of lives. The program has put 120 HIV-positive employees on antiretroviral therapy and free TB treatment has led to a drop in the TB death rate among employees from 25 percent in 2005 to 13 percent in 2008.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

Employee Engagement and Activation
Sher Karuturi engages its employees as active partners in its health programs. Employees serve as TB and HIV/AIDS committee members, volunteer peer health educators, community health workers, and caregivers to local orphaned and vulnerable children. HIV-positive employees who are willing to disclose their status can also serve as "Ambassadors of Hope."

Strategic Focus on Women and HIV
Sher Karuturi's program directly addresses the fact that the majority of its employees are female. The company provides HIV-positive pregnant workers with access to special treatment that prevents the mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Sher Karuturi has also integrated the issue of gender dynamics into its various workplace education campaigns.