Chikaonda hails HIV/Aids policy in Press Group

Group chief executive officer of Press Corporation Limited (PCL), Matthews Chikaonda, has hailed the introduction of HIV and Aids at Work Policy in subsidiary companies, observing that the initiative has reduced absenteeism.

Speaking at the World Aids Day commemoration for the companies held at the College of Medicine Sports Complex in Blantyre yesterday, Chikaonda said the cost of intervening is lower than the cost of not intervening on the pandemic which has cost millions of lives.

“Press Group of Companies is a founding member of the Malawi Business Coalition against Aids [MBCA]. We saw it that time. Our policy started in 2003,” said Chikaonda.

He described the commemoration as an important day to the private sector and the nation, noting that healthy employees help in the development of a country.

Chikaonda attributed the reduction in absenteeism in the group’s companies to the HIV and Aids policy.

“We are delighted that our measures are being effective,” he said.

Chikaonda urged executive management of various companies that form Press Group of Companies to incorporate lines of health well-being of employees in budgets.

PCL HIV and Aids coordinator Chisomo Macholowe said HIV and Aids has had impact on the performance of companies due to loss of staff and at times depression of employees.

Said Macholowe on the commemoration of the day: “Our aim is to disseminate information and encourage progress, treatment and care.”

During the event, there was also a cancer talk by Dr Leo Masamba.