In a drive to fight against HIV infection amongst its staff, Tigo-Rwanda on Wednesday launched a project to create awareness on preventive measures to the scourge.

The project, which will also encourage workers to voluntarily test for the virus, will also ensure that those found HIV positive will be given assistance.

Speaking at the launch, Tigo’s acting CEO, Diego Camberos, said the company joined the drive to fight against HIV as part of its corporate social responsibility.

"When employees are infected, after sometime, their capacity to serve will drastically decline due to poor health conditions, which in turn affects business performance,” Camberos said.

He explained that a team had been put in place to coordinate the project to ensure that it serves its designated purpose.

The project will be implemented in partnership with the Swedish Workplace HIV/Aids Program (SWAHAP).

In his address, SWAHAP East Africa Regional Coordinator, Daniel Mwaura, said the move is aimed at supporting Swedish linked companies to play a significant role in fighting the virus.

"Companies should not only be seen as profit-making institutions, but should contribute to the private sector response towards HIV,” Mwaura said.

During an interview, Mwaura told The New Times that the company will act professionally in dealing with the results of tested employees, adding that no one will get access to other’s results.

Tigo employees said it was an opportunity to learn more about HIV/Aids.

"This project will not only enable us prevent ourselves from HIV, but also learn how to take good care of those infected,” Eugene Bugabo, of the finance department, said.

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