Trucking Wellness helps logistics industry fight HIV/Aids.  This World Aids Day, IMPERIAL Logistics is proud to have been a founding partner of the Trucking Wellness programme, a Sida/National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight Industry project that is managed by the Corridor Empowerment Project. Since its launch in 1999, Trucking Wellness has distributed an estimated 10 million condoms to truck drivers and women at risk of HIV/Aids, treated in the region of 160 000 patients through over 20 mobile clinics and reached just under 450 000 people.

“The degree to which the road freight industry either wins or loses the fight against HIV/Aids impacts every other industry and/or sector,” says Abrie de Swardt, IMPERIAL Logistics Marketing Director. He explains, “The Trucking Wellness Project, which focuses on the provision of basic clinic services, through being a combination of Roadside Wellness Centres and Mobile Wellness Centres and provides the Wellness Fund ARV Treatment Programme has provided us with an effective way in which to support our employees, whilst contributing to the industry at large.”

The Wellness Fund ARV Treatment Programme, in particular empowers those living with HIV/Aids within the system by giving them access to effective ARV treatment. “Accessibility to quality primary healthcare is critical for drivers who ensure that manufacturers’ products reach their final destination,” adds de Swardt. IMPERIAL Logistics provides the project with annual financial support for three of the Road Freight Wellness Centres and four in-house centres that form part of the project. The Group also contributes financially towards the Industry Wellness Fund for the treatment of employees who are HIV/Aids positive.

In addition, IMPERIAL Logistics management forms part of the Wellness Committee, as well as being directly involved in the daily decision-making within the Corridor Empowerment Project. With 21 000 employees, IMPERIAL Logistics is encouraging its people to know their HIV status and to get treatment in the case of being HIV positive. “There should be no stigma attached to living with HIV,” concludes de Swardt.