By: Tommy Sidikie, Reporter
Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL), a subsidiary of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), has taken a proactive step toward enhancing employee welfare and public health by implementing an initiative aimed at encouraging staff to know their HIV status.
In alignment with global efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, this program emphasizes awareness, prevention, and early detection as key strategies in addressing the epidemic. Commemorating World AIDS Day, FTL has rolled out a comprehensive initiative providing employees with access to confidential HIV testing and counseling services. The company’s decision to prioritize employee health underscores its commitment to fostering a supportive work environment and promoting public health initiatives within the community.
The launch of this program marks a shift toward a more holistic approach to employee welfare, recognizing the importance of addressing public health issues within the workplace. By offering HIV testing and counseling, FTL aims to reduce stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure that individuals living with the virus receive the necessary care and support.
Elizabeth Sia Mafinda, a representative of Freetown Terminal Limited, highlighted the company’s efforts to engage employees in HIV testing and sensitization activities. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, providing access to testing services, and supporting affected individuals in receiving treatment and care.
Mafinda noted significant strides in ensuring that employees have the opportunity to know their HIV status through regular testing and counseling sessions. She also highlighted the availability of medications that can effectively suppress the virus for up to six months, underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention.
Patrick Sannoh, Head of Health, Safety, and Environment for Africa Global Logistics, reiterated the significance of conducting the HIV testing program annually in conjunction with World AIDS Day. He emphasized the necessity of raising awareness within the workplace and broader society about the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and the importance of knowing one’s status.
Sannoh stressed the company’s commitment to promoting a culture of health and well-being among its employees. He noted that initiatives like the HIV testing program are essential in creating a safe and supportive environment. By encouraging regular testing, providing counseling services, and ensuring access to treatment options, FTL aims to empower its employees to take control of their health and seek appropriate care.
The launch of the HIV testing initiative by Freetown Terminal Limited reflects a growing recognition of the role that workplaces can play in addressing public health challenges and promoting overall well-being. By prioritizing employee health and offering resources for HIV testing and support, FTL sets an example for other companies to follow in championing initiatives that benefit both employees and the broader community.
As the program gains momentum and more employees participate in HIV testing and counseling services, FTL hopes to contribute to the larger goal of combating HIV/AIDS and reducing its impact on individuals and communities. Through ongoing education, awareness-raising, and access to testing and treatment, the company is taking tangible steps toward creating a healthier and more informed workforce.
Freetown Terminal Limited’s decision to launch this HIV testing initiative marks a significant milestone in its efforts to promote health and well-being within its workforce, demonstrating a dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace environment.
