The world has been celebrating World AIDS for more than 10 years and this year Protea Coin Group, as part of our Wellness Campaign, joined in and hosted one such event. Harmony mines in Randfontein played host to an awareness generating campaign amongst the Protea Coin staff as well as the miners.

The turn-out was great even though the wellness campaign was carried out between shift changes which meant that some miners and security staff came in off a night shift, slept for a while and joined in as everyone was afforded the opportunity to get tested for blood sugar levels, HIV and other infections. The procedure was entirely voluntary and you could decide not to participate, but with the all the information that was being supplied and the counselling that was available, people took the opportunity to find out about their health.

As a country we have to be careful that we don’t become desensitised about the AIDS pandemic. We have to stay conscious of an ever present danger. "iBambeni" – take responsibility.

There are some many myths being spread about this virus, and in so many cases people suffer because of ignorance. When it comes to a problem of this magnitude we can’t afford to be ignorant. Educate yourself and those around you about HIV and AIDS.

Did you know?

According to UNAIDS estimates:
• 33,4 million people are living with HIV worldwide
• 2,7 million people were newly infected in 2008
• 2 million people died of AIDS related illness in 2008.

December 01 is world AIDS day, so wear your red ribbon in support of those living with HIV and AIDS. Let’s take responsibility and show the world that we care.