Global Business Coalition recognises Shell Petroleum Development Company for Niger Delta Aids Response programme

Washington, DC -- The Global Business Coalition (GBC) announced today that Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has been named the first winner of the annual award for Partnership in Collective Action. GBC recognised SPDC for work in helping to prevent the spread of AIDS in the Niger Delta through its Niger Delta AIDS Response (NiDAR) programme.

SPDC, in partnership with Family Health International (FHI), designed the NiDAR programme with the purpose of establishing high-quality comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, treatment and support services. NiDAR provides a national strategic response framework for HIV/AIDS using a de-centralised approach. The programme operates in the southern part of Nigeria, within SPDC-supported healthcare facilities located in five Niger Delta states. NiDAR builds upon the existing infrastructure and human resources of these facilities that serve as primary healthcare level centres.

One of the underlying goals of NiDAR is to strengthen primary health care delivery for under-serviced communities. Mutiu Sunmonu, SPDC Managing Director commented, “We recognise that HIV/AIDS is not merely a public health issue, but a societal one. As such, it demands a strategic social investment response from everyone in order to empower communities and stakeholders to act together for the common good. This is one of many projects that SPDC is proud to undertake throughout the Niger Delta in areas that include health, education and capacity building in partnerships with many third parties. It is an honor to see this effort recognized by the Global Business Coalition ”

The partnership has so far led to 6,824 individuals - of which 3,789 were female -- being counselled and tested for HIV/AIDS. A total of 1,248 or 18% of those tested - 810 being female - were informed that they were HIV positive. As a result, NiDAR enrolled a total of 1,049 HIV positive individuals - of which 702 were female - into comprehensive HIV services. 1,779 pregnant women also accessed services for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT). In addition, the programme imparted a total of 244 government healthcare workers at NiDAR facilities with a diverse set of new skills.

SPDC served as an active partner throughout the development and implementation of the project. SPDC contributed US $1.5 million to FHI and provided in-kind services, such as logistics, security and transportation support, and medical staff supervision.

On Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at the Capital Hilton, the 8th Annual Global Business Coalition Business Excellence Awards Gala will bring together representatives from businesses, governments and NGOs who are actively involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria in a wide range of ways around the world. Each year, more than 700 proponents of this important cause attend the gala. The GBC recognises companies for approaches and execution that have produced outstanding on-the-ground impact that saves lives and enhances the health and well being of employees, families, and communities around the world.