African Life Assurance Zambia has introduced a product to offer people living with HIV/AIDS an opportunity to access anti retroviral treatment (ARV ) for the rest of their life, The Post reported on Wednesday.

The group's AIDS assurance policy will be administered with a comprehensive HIV/AIDS management program that will provide both technical and administrative support to all members, the local newspaper reported.

Under the new product, companies and associations could take up a group AIDS assurance policy for their employees with an option to cover staff's spouses and not more than three children.

"With no initial underwriting, the employees and their families are guaranteed acceptance to the scheme irrespective of the HIV status as the policy commences. This policy is also applicable to the informal sector as long as they team up and purchase the policy," African Life group risk manager Simachila Makwembo was quoted as saying.

The policy pays a fixed monthly benefit for ARV treatment for members and the benefits continues for life irrespective of whether the employee leaves the company.

It will also pay a maternity benefit on the first day of maternity leave to all female employees irrespective of the HIV status for the prevention of the mother to child transmission.

The product is very affordable and it will not affect a company 's cash flow heavily since the contribution will be minimal, he said.

Actuary manager of the group Mark Barberini said that the policy is a response to the AIDS scourge in the country and will supplement government efforts in containing the pandemic.

Only 25 percent of those who need treatment gain access to the ARV drugs in the southern African country with a 16 percent prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS.

Source: Xinhua