Nampak joins corporate war on AIDS

Nampak Ltd, producers of Brand, Cuddlers, launched the BABA (Babies Affected By Aids) initiative via the Harriet Shezi Children's Clinic at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital recently. Together with its Joint Venture Partner, Sancela in Sweden, Nampak is producing nappies at cost, through its state of the art nappy plant in Klipriver, for provision to the Project. The Group, which has donated in excess of 450 000 nappies to needy care facilities during the preceding two year period, announced a R2, 5M investment over a 24 month financial period for the production and provision of nappies to the BABA Initiative.

The overall management, fundraising and distribution of the Nampak "BABA Initiative" is coordinated via the Harriet Shezi Children's Clinic (a registered Section 21 facility) based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, and the Institute of HIV Management (IHIVM) respectively. Harriet Shezi Clinic will manage the donations, while the IHIVM will assume responsibility for distributing donated products to legitimate health care facilities.

The first R150 000 of Nampak's aggregate investment, together with a donation of R50 000 from Gensec, and R20 00 from 3M made it possible for the Project to launch with a cumulative total of R220 000.

On July 26, 2002, the "Botshabello Babies Unit", "Oasis of Love" and the "Cradle Project" - an Investec Staff initiative - were amongst the first beneficiaries to receive "BABA Initiative" donations. Beverley Beukes, Manager at "Oasis of Love" in Randburg was there to receive the 150 cases of Cuddlers nappies, on behalf of the Project.

"Disposable nappies provide a vital role in ensuring an infection-free environment."

According to Dr Tammy Meyer, Head of the Harriet Shezi Children's Unit at Baragwanath Hospital, the use of disposable nappies is an essential factor in the provision of quality care for children affected by HIV/AIDS.

"HIV+/AIDS babies/children often suffer from chronic diarrhea. Disposable nappies provide a more hygienic and far less labour intensive solution than cloth."

Through the BABA (Babies Affected By Aids) Initiative, Nampak hopes that the steady conversion of donations into nappies, will encourage other corporate entities, their partners, and staff, to effect a collective undertaking in ensuring that these children are provided with primary products of hygiene and care that should be every child's right.

The "BABA (Babies Affected By Aids) Initiative" first beneficiaries will include: