In 2003, Burkina Faso was still one of the most affected countries in West Africa, with an adult prevalence rate of 4.2%¹ . In line with the country’s commitment to combating the epidemic, Total Burkina Faso decided to implement quick, forceful, and sustained action against the epidemic for its employees and their families.

Description of the Program to Prevent and Treat HIV/AIDS

Surveys conducted prior to the launching of program in 2003 revealed widespread ignorance on the subject. For that reason, the program includes:

• Information/awareness for the employees and their immediate family
• Promotion of voluntary, anonymous, confidential testing and diagnosis
• Medical and financial support for HIV-positive employees and their dependants under the subsidiary’s medical insurance.

Two local partners dedicated to the fight against HIV/AIDS, the NGO Kasabati and a medical advisor, were selected to help the subsidiary. An AIDS committee comprising eight employees was set up to work with Kasabati to develop the program. It also served as a central collection point for employee observations and suggestions. This collective effort eventually paved the way for smooth implementation of the program, as well as employee cooperation.

A card book detailing the different stages of the project is available to other Total subsidiaries. In addition, a number of companies in Burkina Faso have asked Total Burkina Faso for assistance with designing and implementing similar programs.

In 2006, Total Burkina Faso was commended for its HIV/AIDS workplace action by the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Information/Awareness for employees and their Families

The awareness programs were very informative and inspired new confidence and changes in behavior in employees. Through the programs, employees felt encouraged and empowered to talk about HIV/AIDS in their communities.

At the workshops, Kasabati invites people living with HIV/AIDS to share their experience. This first-hand information has been welcomed by participants and encourages testing. Special workshops are also held for children, using a light-hearted approach based on skits and role-playing to get their attention and spark their curiosity when addressing the problems they may encounter day-to-day.

Promotion of Voluntary, Anonymous, Confidential Testing

A policy statement was issued to all employees by the management of Total Burkina confirming its commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS, whilst respecting confidentiality at all times.
Voluntary, anonymous and confidential testing is adequately provided for them. Total Burkina had the idea to hire a mobile unit equipped with adequate material to conduct voluntary and anonymous testing within the two office premises in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. This operation resulted in a good turnout of employees.

Promotion of voluntary, anonymous, confidential testing and diagnosis

Total Burkina Faso’s management issued a policy statement to all employees confirming the company’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS, while respecting confidentiality at all times.

Employees have access to voluntary, anonymous, confidential testing. Total Burkina Faso hired a mobile unit equipped with the resources needed to conduct testing at two offices in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. Employee turnout has been good—at end-2006, 70% of personnel had been tested, along with 5% of their families.

Medical and financial support for HIV-positive employees and their families

The treatment coverage for people infected with HIV/AIDS is clearly spelled out both during employment and after retirement. HIV-positive employees and family members will be treated by Total as part of its social policy.

For Total Burkina, strengthening the HIV/AIDS program:

• Reflects the company’s social responsibility.
• Increases employee confidence concerning HIV/AIDS.
• Enables the illness to be detected early and allows employees and their families to benefit from treatment.

The subsidiary’s objectives now are to increase the percentage of family members tested and to expand testing to drivers at trucking companies who work for Total Burkina Faso, who are at particularly high risk according to the research conducted.

¹According to a study commissioned by the National AIDS Council, the prevalence rate has stabilized at 2%. In 2005, Burkina Faso adopted a 2006-2010 plan designed to lower the rate to around 1%.