Heineken operates in many different
countries, each with their own customs
and culture. As a good citizen, we aim to
maintain uniform minimum standards of
conduct regardless of where we operate.
In addition, we also want to be an integral
part of the societies where we conduct
our business so we actively contribute to
the development of those societies. Doing
business in developing countries requires
different skills, thinking, approaches and
services than in developed countries.
Sometimes, particularly in the area of
healthcare, being a multinational company
means taking on the sort of responsibilities
that the Western world traditionally sees
as the domain of governments.
What we did and what we delivered
Healthcare
Although the rise in the number of new HIV cases is
slowing, prevention and treatment remains a priority.
The prevention of transmission of HIV from mother to
child has been a focus for us in the past year.
In Nigeria, three supply chain companies are working
together with Nigerian Breweries PIc. to implement their
own HIV prevention programmes. These programmes
include non-discrimination, peer education and access to
condoms and HIV treatment. The programme is conducted
together with two other international private sector
companies, the Nigerian Business Coalition and the
Private Investors for Africa.
Malaria is still a major cause of sickness and absenteeism
ih the Sub-Saharan African operating companies and the
continued distribution of impregnated bednets, as well as
more precise diagnosis by using rapid tests and improved
treatment has contributed to the gradual decline in the
number of employee-related cases. Malaria mortality has
all but disappeared in our workforce.
IMPACT ON
DEVELOPING MARKETS
