Social Action Program Engaged by JAMA Members – Mazda's HIV / AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) Prevention Project


In this edition of the Social Action Program by JAMA members, we shall introduce the "HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) prevention project " run by AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT, a joint venture company of Mazda and Ford). Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has long been misunderstood and discriminated by the society in Thailand. To this date, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has infected more than 372,000 patients in Thailand. This has devastated many families and communities and undermined the country's economy to a large extent.
/ INDEX

Article 1
Social Action Program Engaged by
JAMA Members – Mazda's HIV / AIDS
and Tuberculosis (TB) Prevention
Project

Article 2
Getting Closer to the Target of
Technical Harmonization in the
ASEAN Region: AAF/TC3 and
APWG

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CONTACT US
Many companies have to confront the issue of employees' being absent as a result of the AIDS epidemic. This in turn leads to higher healthcare costs. At the same time, declines in skilled workers have also contributed to the rise of training costs for the company. Understanding that the workforce is the most valuable resource to the company, AAT established the AAT Hope Club in 2003 to cooperate with the Ministry of Labor, Thailand Business Coalition on AIDS Association (TBCA) and other communities to eradicate the problems of AIDS.

The AAT Hope Club set up the HIV/AIDS and TB committee, TB prevention team and management team to assist several activities in Thailand, such as the promotion of HIV/AIDS and TB awareness programs to its employees, suppliers and other companies located around AAT. The AAT Hope Club also raised funds, as well as donated stationery and other item to children who were infected with AIDS under the House of Grace Child Foundation in Chanthaburi. Similar activities were also carried out at the Camillian Social Center in Rayong, the Sinapis Center of "Lorenzo Home" in Chonburi and other areas.

To promote awareness and knowledge of AIDS and TB to its employees, AAT has developed its own safety and health policy. The policy includes the following practices:
  1. Administering HIV/AIDS and TB education in the workplace
  2. Not enforcing HIV testing requirements for recruitment and annual medical testing
  3. Maintaining non-discriminatory practices towards HIV positive employees
  4. Promoting voluntary HIV and TB counseling and testing
  5. Assisting HIV and TB positive employees
  6. Providing medical services under the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  7. Upholding the confidentiality of workers' counseling and testing
The success of AAT in the above programs has awarded them the AIDS Response Standard Organization (ASO-Gold Level) Certification in the year of 2004 and 2007. AAT was also the first company in Thailand to receive the ASO-T Thailand Platinum Award in 2009, organized by the Ministry of Labor and the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health. The Department of Disease Control of Thailand has visited AAT to show its full support to AAT.

In the same year, AAT was also awarded "Best AIDS and TB Management" under the business sector category by Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Soamsawali. Her Royal Highness appreciates the efforts of AAT to keep employees regardless of their HIV status.

Being a fine corporate citizen through social action programs such as those mentioned above, AAT has portrayed a positive image among the public. With such positive response, AAT will continue its commitment to social responsibilities, as well as propagate HIV/AIDS education and prevention in the workplace and the surrounding community. After generating such positive outcomes, we hope that other companies will follow suit.
 

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Article 2
Getting Closer to the Target of Technical Harmonization in the ASEAN Region: AAF/TC3 and APWG

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