Health Initiative Continues to Grow

South Africa has opened its 22nd Trucking Wellness Center in Roodekop, Johannesburg, to increase HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and treatment in the trucking industry.

The Trucking Wellness Program represents a long-term partnership between Mercedes-Benz South Africa, the South African Business Coalition on HIV & AIDS (SABCOHA) and the embassy of Sweden under the auspices of the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry. According to MBSA spokesperson Nobuzwe Mangcu, the program has counseled upwards of 430,000 individuals and currently treats 155,000 people.

Area trucking activity drives the establishment of center sites, said Mangcu. “The Roodekop Wellness Center is an ideal hub to reach long-distance truck drivers, women at risk, as well as communities in the area,” he said.

Brad Mears, CEO of SABCOHA, noted that plans to replicate the program are being considered by the South African National Taxi Council.

“It is only through a collaborative commitment and seeking out innovative platforms such as” the trucking program, said Swedish Embassy Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor Ria Schoeman, “that a concerted and tangible impact can be made in reducing the spread of this disease.”

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!