At BNC and at Freda Rebecca, Mwana Africa staffs and funds the running of clinics for employees and their families.
The scale and trend of HIV/AIDS prevalence varies significantly within Africa. At nearly 20%, South Africa has one of the highest HIV /AIDS prevalence rates in the world. Despite recent improvements in Zimbabwe, it is estimated that over 15% of the population is HIV-positive, while prevalence in Ghana and the DRC is substantially lower at under 3%.
An HIV/AIDS management strategy, which extends to the local community, is in place at BNC's operations and comprises:
Mwana Africa intends to replicate elements of this strategy at Klipspringer and Freda Rebecca. Owing to the early stage nature of its activities in Ghana and the DRC, and the relatively low prevalence rates in those countries, Mwana Africa does not currently have any formal education or treatment programmes in place in these countries. However, employees are encouraged to participate in community-based education initiatives.
The risk of malaria is considered to be most significant at Mwana Africa's exploration activities in Ghana and the DRC. The company provides its employees with education and training for the prevention and treatment of malaria. In addition, the company makes regular donations of medicine to malaria treatment facilities in the region of its Zani-Kodo exploration concession.
Mwana Africa recognises that mining and associated operations are potentially dangerous activities, and recognises its responsibility to provide a safe working environment for all of its employees. At its operations Mwana Africa monitors the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR), Total Injury Frequency Rate (TIFR) and Fatality Frequency Rate (FFR), expressed as the number of incidences per 200,000 man-hours worked.
Management is focusing on re-establishing sound standards and operating systems, including intensive training, re-issuance of written standards and a continuing focus on skills retention.
Mwana Africa puts the emphasis on the prevention of occupational health problems, and the group therefore conducts regular exercises to identify and measure hazards, and to assess and manage the risk. Such hazards include, for example, dust, heat and noise. Risk management measures include:
Where health problems do arise, Mwana Africa seeks to provide appropriate remedial treatment.
