Expanded Community Initiatives Award Commended (2008): Rio Tinto

ABOUT RIO TINTO

Rio Tinto is one of the world's leading mining and exploration companies. It finds, mines and processes the mineral resources essential for making thousands of products. The company's activities span the world with production from every continent.

THE COMMENDED PROGRAM

Rio Tinto's community-based HIV/AIDS program in Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, located in South Africa's Limpopo Province, is exceptional in its comprehensive approach and breadth. The program provides a full set of HIV/AIDS, STI and tuberculosis prevention, care and treatment services to all members of the local community within a 50 km radius of the company's Palaboramines. Implemented through the Palabora Foundation, the program covers over 150,000 people and 95 percent of the region's population.

In response to a lack of joint coordinated efforts in the region and limited capacity within government healthcare structures, Rio Tinto initiated a comprehensive community-based HIV/AIDS program from which all community members would benefit. Thirteen community lay counselors, 30 peer educators, and 54 volunteers provide education, awareness and psycho-social support at a wide array of locations, such as farms, villages, schools, taverns, churches, traditional health practitioners, local military stations, mines and prisons.

Testing for HIV is available at the Phelang Community Centre, and performed weekly at prisons. In 2007, over 20 workplaces and farms were also visited and testing was provided. In addition, the program currently supports 1,004 people on antiretroviral therapy with monitoring, adherence counseling, and home-based care.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

Working with Traditional Health Practitioners

Rio Tinto's holistic approach includes strong collaboration with a network of over 120 traditional health practitioners who have agreed to refer those in need to medical treatment and support groups. As over 80 percent of the local population visits traditional health practitioners before a medical doctor, this is an essential element of the program.

Showcasing HIV Positive Community Leaders

All 12 members of the Phelang Community Centre's Executive HIV & AIDS Support Group are HIV positive and have disclosed their status openly. Members of the group receive regular leadership development training and present to communities on various educational topics during weekly meetings. The leadership team has been influential in countering stigma and changing people's expectations about living with HIV.

BROADLY APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES

Capacity Building Is Essential for Sustainability

Rio Tinto invests heavily in education and training of youth and local health care workers to ensure the skills needed to maintain the program remain in the local community. Multi-sector partnerships with the government, NGOs and the private sector ensure a broad and sustainable funding base.

Support Networks Extend Outreach

Formal and informal counseling is available through community lay counselors, peer group educators and referral to primary health care and social workers, both in groups and individually. Fifty-four volunteers run support groups across the 16 municipal wards in the region including 20 local farms, ensuring convenient access for all members of the community.