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African Global Logistics (AGL) Limited Sierra Leone successfully organized voluntary HIV testing for 340 employees at its Freetown headquarters on December 11, 2024.
This initiative, marking World AIDS Day, aimed to enhance awareness of HIV and AIDS among the workforce and promote safe practices.
Patrick D. Sannoh, AGL’s Health, Safety, and Environment Manager, stated that the testing reflected the company’s commitment to employee health and aligned with global efforts to combat HIV. He emphasized that the exercise was not just about knowing one’s status but also about fostering preventive measures and supporting affected individuals.
The testing was conducted in collaboration with the HIV and AIDS Secretariat and the Ministry of Health, ensuring confidentiality and professional oversight. Employees received their results privately, with no interference from the company.
Highlighting the rising HIV cases in Sierra Leone—currently over 70,000—Sannoh encouraged employees to adopt safe sex practices and use condoms to prevent transmission. He reassured those testing positive that effective treatments could help them lead healthy lives and urged other organizations to adopt similar health-focused initiatives as part of corporate social responsibility.
Health practitioner Elizabeth Sia Mafinda commended the high turnout and stressed the importance of regular testing in a country where over 77,000 people live with HIV. She explained the three-stage testing process and highlighted that with proper treatment, the virus could be suppressed, significantly reducing the risk of transmission.
Mafinda called for an end to the stigma against people living with HIV and criticized hospital practices that isolate such patients, advocating for dignity and respect for all.
AGL’s initiative underscores the importance of employee well-being and sets an example for other businesses to prioritize workplace health, contributing to the fight against HIV and AIDS in Sierra Leone.
Done and dusted, but the statistical outcome was not shared for the population to draw an inference and consider being part of the initiative. Otherwise, people will just assume it’s business as usual. Anyways my take as concerned advocaid.