SOCIAL ASPECTS & AWARDS

We are also very proud of our ongoing involvement in HVI/AIDS awareness programs in Zambia, Voluntary Counseling Testing (VCT), ready for treatment, which has been developed in conjunction with USAID and CHAMP (a local NGO). This widely acclaimed program has greatly improved the HIV/AIDS awareness of rural communities in and around our cotton growing areas. It is further evidence of our approach to social responsibility and our determination to establish a strong relationship with our farmers.

The projects sought to accomplish the following objectives:

· Increase awareness on the benefits of HIV prevention, access to care and support programs, and HIV-related treatment care and support services

· Increase the number of employees and outreach community members accessing VCT as an entry point to HIV treatment programs

· Strengthen STI awareness, prevention, and management programs to lead to increased number of STI cases treated amongst Dunavant employees and the outreach community.

· Increase the knowledge and skills of identified healthcare providers to provide comprehensive HIV services to Dunavant employees, and the outreach community.

· Strengthen care and support for Dunavant employees and community members at community level.

RESULTS

Between mid-April and 30th September 2004 the project:

· Trained 8,272 people in peer education, community education, community-care giving, and voluntary counseling and testing.

· Sensitized 5,219 KCM and Dunavant employees.

· Sensitized 182,845 community members.

· VCT services offered to a combination of 309 Dunavant employees/community members.