National Companies -like Airline Company of Mali- stimulate their employees to go for testing

Partner: Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

Since 2007, the National Airline Company of Mali (CAM), National Energy Company (EDM) and EmbaMali (a plastic packaging company) develop their AIDS Competence, with the support of AKDN et the Constellation. 

After a learning event facilitated by the Constellation, surprising things happened in these companies. 

- At least 50% of the staff members of Embalmali did their voluntary HIV test;
- 30% of the personnel of CAM did their voluntary HIV test;
- The head of EDM-incorporated decided to finance it’s action plan up to 80 million CFA;
- After the training at CAM, the two facilitators convinced the supervisors to invite AFAS/AMAS (an association of People living with HIV) to witness in the company, which facilitated the voluntary testing;

During the elaboration is the guide of local responses in Mali, a participants said: « The AIDS Competence approach is the strategy of emancipation of the poor. It puts an end to the superiority of the consultant, the government and the donor.» Today, 140 peer educators are able to facilitate the response at the workplace.

In January 2008, a knowledge fair took place with representatives from the 3 companies and guests from a wide variety of other organisations. Twenty eight people participated in the workshop. See the Knowledge assets from Mali.