The ERAMET Groupe presents its information, training and prevention actions in line with World Malaria Day on April 25th, 2014. The aim is to protect employees and their families, and help to roll back the disease as a result.

Mobilisation day

Launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Malaria Day is an opportunity to mobilise public authorities, NGOs and businesses, etc. and to emphasise the need to keep up the fight against the disease. Wiping out malaria is one of the United Nations’ millennium goals. While the efforts made over the past decade have substantially reduced malaria cases and deaths, the WHO estimates that the disease still kills more than 600,000 people per year.

 

ERAMET’s active commitment to protecting employees

As part of its Health policy, ERAMET plays an active part in the fight against malaria to protect its employees and their families. The disease concerns the Groupe as some employees have to travel to at-risk zones, while others live and work in those areas.

Information and training

Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria can stop it from becoming fatal. To inform employees travelling to at-risk zones about the means of protection, symptoms and treatment of malaria, ERAMET is developing a specific eLearning module. In parallel, information is provided in Security & Health training and regular awareness sessions are also organised on the relevant sites by health professionals. Moreover, the Health Check and Vaccination Program (HCVP) provides full, confidential monitoring for the Groupe’s travellers and expatriates.

Preventive actions

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by common malaria–type mosquitoes. To help wipe out malaria mosquitoes,  ERAMET removes stagnant water and breeding places in at-risk zones and sprays insecticide, using selective persistent products that are not toxic for people or the environment. Whenever necessary, mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide are provided in these zones.

Curative actions

The first signs of malaria, which can occur up to several months after contamination, can be very slight, making diagnosis tricky. Wherever there is a risk, the ERAMET medical network has thus set up rapid access to diagnosis and, if needed, the most suitable treatment.