It aims to help contribute towards the national distribution target of more than 800-million condoms and to distribute to 16 000 taverns. This will help in averting an estimated 1.6-million HIV/Aids infections as calculated by a John Stover (founder and president of Futures Institute, US) who claims that for every 500 condoms distributed, at least one infection is averted.
Project Promote is a public private partnership between the National Department of Health, the South African Business Coalition on HIV/Aids (SABCOHA) and the Society of Family Health. The company was approached to become a core strategic partner by SABCOHA after government increased its condom distribution targets as a method to decrease HIV/Aids infections. SAB is able to extend distribution reach to non-traditional outlets, namely taverns.
"The company's commitment to helping bring social change in South African communities is aligned to government's aim to reduce the impact that HIV/Aids is having on the country. It therefore makes perfect sense that we contribute to the work being done to achieve this aim," says Hepsy Mkhungo, SAB head enterprise development and community partnerships.
Taverns each receive 400 condoms per month that are made available to customers. The tavern owners have received positive feedback, with many requesting additional stock from during scheduled deliveries.
