Aspen’s CSI programmes provide increased ARV access to mothers and infants
Johannesburg. Aspen Pharmacare, South Africa’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, as part of its continued social commitment programme has established an antiretroviral (“ARV”) dispensary and has contributed to the upgrading of critical theatre equipment at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (“RMMCH”) in Coronationville.
Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Pharmacare’s Senior Executive, Strategic Trade Development said “The establishment of the ARV dispensary at the RMMCH makes a meaningful difference to both HIV infected mothers and their babies who would otherwise have limited access to life saving ARV treatment. There is a notable pediatric shortage of public sector ARV treatment. This social investment provides HIV positive mothers and their babies who are born and treated at RMMCH with the hope of living a relatively normal, healthy life.”
Chief Operating Officer of Gauteng Health, Dr Abdul Rahman said “RMMCH has a large maternal unit which was in desperate need of pediatric access to ARV treatment for infants and toddlers. ”Aspen has proven to be a reliable partner when we have needed Corporate Social assistance”.
Nicolaou said, “This contribution forms part of Aspen’s ongoing CSI commitment towards assisting in addressing the shortages of primary healthcare and SA’s public health challenges in general. Aspen’s focus of alleviating the plight of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis infected patients, remains core to our CSI initiatives. South Africa has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates which is regrettably in line with that of some of the least develop countries. We have an obligation as a responsible corporate citizen to assist in public health challenges and to endeavor to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged communities. We have been delivering on this responsibility and on our commitment to the people of South Africa for more than a decade”.
Aspen’s most significant CSI accomplishments include, among others, the construction and improvement of seven healthcare facilities in previously disadvantaged communities. The supported clinics are able to provide a broad range of primary healthcare services, including the treatment of acute conditions, the provision of HIV/Aids services, the supply of prescribed medication, healthcare awareness training session and HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis management programmes.
L-R: Dr Abdul Rahman, Chief Operating Officer of Gauteng Health, Dr Edward Hand, Clinical Manager Rahima Moosa Clinic, Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Pharmacare – Senior Executive Strategic Trade Development, Jackie Tau, Aspen Pharmacare – CSI Manager.