Ford Handed Health Award

As one of the automotive companies that have made a habit out of corporate responsibility in South Africa, Ford has been awarded the GBC Business Action on Health Award at the beginning of the month, in recognition of the car maker's involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country.

The Global Business Coalition (GBC) decided to give Ford the award for the car maker's Wellness Cluster program. The program is intended to provide in-house HIV/AIDS counseling and testing for automotive industry workers in South Africa.

So far, since the launch of the program in 2009, ten automotive suppliers have joined in, with about 2,000 employees volunteering to be tested for the hideous disease. At the same time, they were all given counseling about what to do not to get infected and what to do if they are.

"It is heartbreaking to see the devastating toll HIV/AIDS has taken on families in South Africa and around the world, especially when its spread can be prevented through education and awareness," said Ford South Africa CEO Jeff Nemeth. "My hope is that this recognition will energise our efforts and encourage others to join the fight against this disease."

“Ford South Africa is like a family, and we look out for family," added the CEO. " Our family includes customers, suppliers and dealers, and on behalf of all the hard-working, dedicated men and women in our family, I am proud and humbled to represent an organisation that is truly committed to making the world a better place."