AAR Kenya

AAR COP of Sustainability 2012

AAR Group CEO’s Statement of Commitment and Preamble

I am pleased to reiterate AAR’s commitment and support, where applicable, for the UN Global Compact’s 10 principles.

In addition to the above in March 2012 AAR became the signatory of the Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya as well as an ardent supporter for the Rights of the Child in Business which was launched in Nairobi in October 2012. AAR core values of Timeliness, Caring Attitude, Quality, Integrity and Team-ness stride shoulder to shoulder with human rights under which the above rights fall. The values also form the invisible glue that binds AAR and continue to evolve as part of the company’s culture and therefore also clearly support UNGC’s codes.

In 2012 the fast growing East African region continued to be challenging in the health sector, but in spite of this AAR maintained its leading position in providing health care solutions making a difference to the lives of its customers and other service users as well as to the community and the environment in which is does business. AAR prides itself with a strong brand which it knows reads and respects the five core values stated above, which allows it to expand the delivery of its health solutions that make a difference to lives of its members as well as community in general.

Skilled staff deficiency continues as a challenge in all the East African countries where AAR does business, and competing for technically skilled staff, especially in the medical sector, with the moneyed NGO sector is challenging, but with the growing tertiary education facilities opening up, AAR believes to be able to have access and choice to a wider scale of proficient employees in all areas of its business.

As AAR keeps on expanding its social responsibility from shareholder to board level right down to the line employee, it continued to invest into training employees in 2012 further installing an increased culture of excellence and synergy across the structure of the company so there is a bigger buy-in in the understanding what AAR medical services, medical solutions and brand stand for. All AAR Staff and AAR Sales Representatives annually sign a Code of Conduct oath.

As customer expectations go on increasing the company’s continual training enhances employee understanding of his/her responsibilities and company’s values. These values incorporate, support, embrace and enact the goals spelled out in the UN Global Compact ten principles as well as the Millennium Development Goals where applicable.

 

Jagi Gakunju

AAR Group CEO

March 2013

UN Global Compact Report of Sustainability 2012

Preamble

In spite of economical and political challenges in all the East African countries in 2012, AAR saw the formation of two new companies being set up in 2012: AAR Healthcare Kenya Ltd, and AAR Insurance Kenya Ltd. At the beginning of the millennium the Economist had a leading article on Africa calling it the lost continent, but in 2012 we saw this prestigious magazine admit that Africa is now the continent of the future. AAR has felt this growth as its health service business caters to the fast growing East African middle class.

 

AAR membership of the UN Global Compact has allowed it to take part in the putting together of the Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya and was one of the first signatory.

In October 2012 saw the Kenyan launch of Child Rights in Business which was earlier launched in Europe.

AAR has always been aware of the fact that as it continues to run a sustainable and socially responsible business, its core values Timeliness, Caring Attitude, Quality, Integrity and Team-ness are being incorporated as the pillars in every decision and action the company makes on a daily basis. These core values have to also make a difference and be of significance to the daily lives of its employees and customers.

 

The staff and company sales-reps need to understand without question that the company’s values are not cosmetic as these are the pillars which give AAR the means of not only guiding but also evaluating its operations and its future planning, and allow AAR to differ in the market. Each employee, no matter at what level, must understand and appreciate the fact that AAR’s core values are its anchor in making a difference to the way it does business and conducts its work. This is highlighted in every seminars, workshops and training sessions as well as bulletin.

 

From board and senior management level, individuals take their responsibility seriously, creating a conducive environment allowing transparency, open communication, accountability and complying to legal and regulatory demands. Management teams ensure that there is correct, skilled and available human, financial and natural resources to conduct a viable business and that these resources are used efficiently, without compromising the ability of various stakeholders to meet their immediate and future needs.

 

Measuring

The challenge for AAR is to ensure that each employee and sales representative, no matter at which grade, understands that the responsibility of the company’s welfare lies with the individual. He/she is the ambassador of the company. Since September 2008, when AAR joined the Global Compact, it committed itself to support and advance the ten principles of the UN Global Compact within its sphere of influence and as said the challenge has been to make each employee and sales representative understand what personal and corporate responsibility means.

 

Through the Balance Score Card AAR is able to measure staff outputs. In 2012 the upgraded HR manual, available in the company intranet, is easily accessible for perusal.

 

Since 2004 AAR has had a Corporate Social Responsibility policy statement which states: to achieve commercial success in ways that honour ethical values, compliance with legal requirements and respect for people, communities and the natural environment. Through its newsletters, through bulletins, company seminars, workshops and training the social responsibility is brought to staff attention.

 

By 2009 understanding what CSR means was incorporated into the general customer care training CeSaaR manual: ‘Customer Excellent Service Achieves AAR Results’. The training manual was collated in-house making it more relevant, meaningful and owned by all AAR staff and sales representatives. By the end of 2012 most employees have now been trained and this will continue into 2013

An overview of 2012 – AAR Holdings Ltd

In 2010 AAR received a 20% boost when in 2010 IFHA, Investment Fund for Health in Africa, bought a 20% stake into its business, which then was increased to 66% in 2012. IFHA is focused on developing healthcare in Africa, with emphasis on pioneering market-based services to improve healthcare delivery in sub-Saharan African countries.

 

 

 

As per AAR strategy this supported the expansion of its health care delivery sector and the formation of AAR Insurance Kenya. By the end of 2012 three new clinics were opened in Kenya which has further reinforced AAR’s expansion plans in the East African fast growing middle class market/increasing consumer population.

The holding company is made up of several businesses covering healthcare clinics, health insurance, health finance and medical evacuation services.

Brand

AAR powerful brand in the East African region has kept AAR in the forefront of competitors. The East African region has proved to be resilient to global downturn and albeit of above average corruption, political risks have diminished and with the signing of the East African Community treaty creating a powerful trading bloc in a region which is marching ahead  with global branded companies opening their headquarters especially in Nairobi. (prediction: Brian & Company).

With a current membership of some 200,000, AAR is not only the East African leader in healthcare but is also the preferred provider for both the public and private sectors in East Africa. Today AAR has 26 health centres spread over Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda; AAR Tanzania has 5 factory clinics, and AAR prides itself with an extensive partner-provider medical network.

It is AAR’s flexibility, innovation and readiness to respond to the needs of its clients that have today made AAR leading healthcare and insurance company in East Africa, as encapsulated in its vision, mission and core values which state that AAR want to be provider of choice for innovative and quality health care solutions in Africa, where it provides health care solutions that make a difference to life.

 

AAR Corporate Social Responsibility Policy

To achieve commercial success in ways that honour ethical values, compliance with legal requirements and respect for people, communities and the natural environment.

 

In March 2012 AAR signed the Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya, and it is this code  which will enable AAR employees to imbibe an ethically friendly culture as they understand the

• 4 UNGC principles: Human & Labour Rights, Environment & Anti-corruption
• Accept and live the company’s policies & codes of conduct
• Understand and absorb AAR CSR policy – stated here above
• Live and understand the company’s mission and vision statements
• Live AAR’s Core Values of Timeliness, Caring Attitude, Quality, Integrity and Team-ness

 

 

AAR 2012 Report of Sustainability

The Codes for Business listed here under, integrate into AAR’s Mission, Vision as well as Core Values of Timeliness, Caring Attitude, Quality, Integrity and Team-ness which form the invisible glue that binds AAR. The Codes, the mission the vision and values all evolve as part of the company’s culture and therefore clearly support UNGC’s codes. This report will take the code as a reference.

Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya

AAR, as a signatory of the Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya concurs to the ethics, which are inspired by the UN Global Compact Initiative; hence commitments have been drawn in line with the ten principles on Human Rights, Labour Rights, Environment and Anti-corruption

 

Explanations of the Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya

The Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya identifies the stakeholders of a business and its specific commitments. The stakeholders are: Organizations; Shareholders and Investors; Users of Products and Services; Suppliers, Contractors & Agents; Society; State & Government and Natural Environment

• The commitments are based on respect, responsibility, compliance and corruption prevention with respect to each stakeholder. These commitments will serve to guide how businesses will interact with these stakeholders and hence companies are expected to design policies and actions that will make the Code a living document
• Commitments shall be renewed annually. Companies that adopt the Code shall be expected to report on this commitment on a yearly basis, a copy of which shall be availed to the Global Compact Network Secretariat at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. The reports shall be availed publicly
• The Code shall apply to private businesses and is intended to complement, not replace, company codes
• Adoption of the Code will be on voluntary basis and adherence will not only require companies to visibly promote responsible business but also making public this commitment by way of annual reports, stating on the website and participating in relevant seminars
• Violation of the Code shall lead to measures being taken against the transgressing company by organized business (established business membership organizations). There are steps laid out for handling non-adherence and it shall involve discussion with the transgressing company, releasing of public statement expressing moral disapproval of the transgression and public exclusion of the company from the Code until the transgression has been corrected

AAR, as a signatory of the Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya concurs to the ethics, which are inspired by the UN Global Compact Initiative; hence commitments have been drawn in line with the ten principles on Human Rights, Labour Rights, Environment and Anti-corruption.

As a leader, AAR sets the ethical tone in its organisations. AAR demonstrates its ethical commitment by crating policies and structures to implement the values and obligations of this Code in its organisations, and by reporting annually on its adherence to this Code.

 

Code of Ethics for Business in Kenya (signed by AAR in March 2012)

By adopting the Code, businesses are opting for a proactive means of handling responsible behaviour through self-regulation. This creates a thriving operating environment, devoid of too much regulation from government. AAR will endeavour to introduce the principles of the code in all the countries where it has a business presents.

The Code

• Is an initiative by the business community of Kenya (and with the recent signing of the Common Market treaty, it is sincerely hoped that a similar taking up of an ethical code and signing will soon take place in the rest of the East African region) to promote and enhance the ethics of business conduct in Kenya in line with the ten principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas of Human Rights, Labour Standards, Environment and Anti-corruption
• Applies to private companies who expect their business partners likewise to adhere to it, and
• Does not replace, but complements, individual company codes of ethics

The Code goes on to state:

We, the business community, recognise that ethical business brings about good business. We are committed to play a proactive role in building a globally competitive and prosperous nation, with a high quality of life, as environed in Vision 2030.

 

As good corporate citizens, we commit to treating our stakeholders with Respect, to run our businesses with Responsibility, to act with Compliance with applicable laws, and to be actively involved in Corruption Prevention. Our commitment to these ethical standards determines our interaction with our stakeholders (that is, our organizations; our shareholders and investors; users of our products and services; our suppliers, contractors and agents; our society; and our state and government) and the environment.

 

v  As good corporate citizens, we commit to treating our stakeholders with Respect, to run our businesses with Responsibility, to act in Compliance with applicable laws, and to be actively involved in Corruption Prevention

 

 

Benefits & Results

v  It is expected that with these ethics in place, integrity in the conduct of businesses will be increased. This will help create a clean business environment, which has an ultimate effect of reduced cost of doing business

v  This is the business’ way of enhancing the sustainability agenda. By acting responsibly, businesses will contribute towards a better society and country; hence avoid instances of violations and harmful/misleading actions

v  A company may also derive increased company profile arising from being associated with good corporate citizenship. It has been demonstrated that good corporate citizenship is a useful tool for competitive advantage. The reverse of this is damaging a company’s image, once dented, is very hard to rebuild and could even be costly in terms of loss of market

AAR -  Labour & Human Rights

• Respect                                                        Policy

AAR respects the human rights and         AAR as an organization will

dignity of all our employees and               uphold all internationally proclaimed

does not encourage unfair                           human and labour rights principles

discrimination or favouritism across its operations. It complies with all legal and regulatory demands in countries where it does business and adheres to labour laws

Systems

In 2012, AAR HR department was able to compile all the various separately documented policies touching on staff welfare and conduct and instead formulated and compiled one comprehensive policy document. The policy document has been prepared into 3 versions for each East African country, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, by customizing them to suit their local legislations

• Responsibility                                             Scope & Activities

AAR takes responsibility for providing      In this regard part of the AAR HR decent, safe and healthy work              function agenda for part of 2012 & 2013

environments for its employees,                was and continues to conduct HR

and for developing their talent                    policy awareness and education to all

• Labour & Human Rights Compliance

AAR complies with labour laws and         staff via the intranet, workshops,

related regulations, safety and health      seminars, newsletters and bulletins.

policies, and standards of decent work    Further, through the AAR HR

programmes, institute internal control       Department, management is

systems, and build a culture of                   continuously equipped with necessary

corruption-free business practice              skills and understanding so as to

interpret these policies as they apply them in their respective operations. AAR HR Department in 2012 upgraded the Staff Manual, as well as a Code of Conduct, which is annually signed by all AAR staff & sales representatives

Outcome

The expected outcome is to have an informed workforce and in particular to have a staff force understand the various staff policies, code of ethics and company values as well as to have an easily accessible document to every AAR employee and/or AAR sales representative through the company intranet. All applications are also accessible through the intranet which allows for easier monitoring/review/amendments by management where necessary

 

 

• Corruption Prevention                              Compliance

AAR actively develops anti-corruption     Compliance is comprehensively

programmes, institutes internal control    covered under AAR’s new HR manual.

systems, and builds a culture of                 The manual calls for declaration of

corruption-free business practice              conflict of interest when one joins AAR as an employee or as a sales

representative; it also calls for such declaration whenever the circumstances demand for ongoing employees.

The internal audit department is independent and offers objective assurance and consulting services to add value and improve AAR's operations. It helps AAR accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes

Outcomes

Measurements are still being put into action – albeit when fraud is detected impunity still persists in the whole of the East African region in various degrees, depending on the country, which still renders bringing the culprits to book challenging

Measurement

AAR’s systems are open to third party auditors for verification (Ernst & Young)

The company demand disclosure of gifts received in the course of one’s duty, among other disclosures to dissuade corrupt practices. AAR takes deterrent

Measurement

action as a last resort the action could range from termination of contract with AAR to prosecution in courts of law.

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC), a performance measurement tool continues to be used throughout the company to evaluate staff performance each quarter and at the end of each year. All staff clearly understands the BSC and as a result they are motivated to work in an environment where performance targets are clearly and openly shared across the company. Performance is evaluated based on 4 perspectives aligned to the company’s strategy: financial, customer, internal business processes and people  - learning and growth

AAR is upholds Children Rights in Business – signed 10^th October 2012

AAR Shareholders and AAR Investors

• Respect                                                        Investment in 2012

AAR respects its shareholders                  2012 saw further investment by IFHA*

and other potential investors for                 enabling to put into effect company’s

financing the organisation, thus                 strategy of setting up to separate Kenya

creating employment in the nations          companies:

where AAR does business

• Responsibility AAR Healthcare Kenya

AAR takes responsibility for economic     and AAR Insurance Kenya.

development by pursuing a healthy          The investment has allowed for a

return on investment                                    healthy return on investment in 2012

• Compliance                                                 Board of Directors

AAR complies with principles of good      Through the Board of Directors the

governance that inspire investor                company promotes a culture of

confidence                                                     awareness and sensitivity at all

levels to potential conflicts of interest,

Compliance – Board of Directors

responsible for maintaining and

preserving a balance between

innovation and transparency

• Corruption Prevention                              Action - Fully fledged Internal Audit

AAR avoids corrupt practices that can      The setting up of a fully fledged and

harm the good reputation of its                   autonomous internal audit function

shareholders and other investors              in 2012 is a significant step in anti-corruption fight in AAR. The internal audit department answer directly to the Board Audit Committee

Scope of the Internal Audit

The scope of work of the internal audit activity is to determine whether the organisation's network of risk management, control, and governance processes, as designed and represented by management, is adequate and functioning in a manner to ensure risks are appropriately identified and managed, among others issues.  The existence of corruption, including extortion and bribery increase the cost of doing business and diminishes proper governance of an institution. AAR has a strict code of conduct that guides behaviour when its officers interact with the suppliers, customers, general public and even within AAR itself

Measurement

AAR has a third party auditor, Ernst & Young.

Other measurement tools will be looked into in 2013

 

 

 

 

*IFHA – Investor into AAR - The Investment Fund for Health in Africa (IFHA) is a private equity fund dedicated to small to medium size (equity) investments in private healthcare companies in Africa. IFHA invests in private healthcare companies that operate in fast-growing markets and show unique advantages over the competition.

 

The IFHA team consists of professionals with a diverse range of experience in senior management, healthcare and health insurance. The IFHA team originated from PharmAccess Foundation, an organization that aims to contribute to building sustainable healthcare in Africa, and brings in together over 15 years of experience with working with the private healthcare sector in Africa.

Users of AAR Services

• Respect                                                        AAR Mission

AAR respects its customers and                to provide healthcare solutions that

clients, does not mislead or exploit           make a difference to life

them, and values their feedback

• Responsibility

AAR communicates truthfully on its          Services offered in AAR

products and services and takes               (see below – AAR today to end 2012) responsibility for the safety of its                Responsible conduct of business as

customers and quality of its services        stated in company’s CSR policy

• Compliance

AAR complies with consumer                    AAR Vision

protection laws, refrains from                     to be the provider of choice for

anti-corruption practices, and                     innovative and quality healthcare

ensures that its services                              solutions in Africa

meet health and safety standards

• Corruption Prevention                              Code of Conduct

AAR embraces corruption-free                  AAR has a strict code of conduct that

practices to ensure that users can guides behaviour when its officers,

trust its services                                            staff and sales representatives interact with the suppliers, customers and general public

 

 

AAR Suppliers, Contractors, Medical Agents and Agents

• Respect                                                        Contracts

AAR interaction with its business              Contracts are signed with its suppliers

partners is based on mutual respect         and medical business partners -

and therefore AAR engages in                  separate contracts are signed

win-win relationships                                   depending on department’s needs

• Responsibility

AAR encourages its business                    Partners are encouraged but not

partners to share its commitment               forced to adhere to AAR ethics

to responsible business

• Compliance                                                 Compliance

AAR complies with all contractual and     More stringent commitments will be

legal obligations agreed with its                perused in the course of 2013

business partners, and it pays

them on time

• Corruption Prevention                              Awareness

AAR does not give or receive bribes        The existence of corruption,

and avoids corrupt practices that               including extortion and bribery

can harm its relationships with its              increases the cost of doing business

business partners                                         and diminishes proper governance of an

institution

Measurement

Stricter measurements to be implemented in 2013

AAR Society (Corporate Social Investment)

• Respect                                                        CSR – policy statement

AAR respects the people and social         - to achieve commercial success in

and cultural norms of the communities     ways that honour ethical values,

in which it operates                                      compliance with legal requirements

and respect for people, communities and the natural environment -

• Responsibility                                             Responsibility

AAR takes responsibility for the impact    AAR, whose activities are in the medical

of its operations on local communities,     field, takes its social responsibility very

and it contributes to the development       earnestly and is involved in many social

and strengthening of the societies             project and programmes. AAR signed

in which it operates                                      *The Children’s Rights and Business Principles – extract from the rights

Trees for Health project also caters to schools with children with challenges

• Compliance                                                 See various programmes - below

AAR complies with the ethical norms       - AAR has 150 schools on board the

of the society from whom it earn                  Trees for Health Project by end of 2012

its license to operate                                    - The Cluster Foundation – helping to

• Corruption Prevention improve lives of paraplegics

AAR collaborate with communities and

civil society organisations to create

a corruption-free society

 

*Children’s Rights and Business Principles

“Children’s Rights and Business Principles were developed in consultation with business experts, child right experts, civil society, governments and children. Save the Children, UNICEF and the United Nations Global Compact hope they will serve as an inspiration and guidepost for all businesses, everywhere, in their interactions with children.

Children’s rights are an essential investment in our sustainable future. Human rights apply to all children. Safeguarding these rights helps build the strong, well-educated communities that are vital to crating a stable, inclusive and productive business environment.

 

 

A business that integrates respect and support for children into its strategy and operations generates benefits for children, society; and can generate real benefits for

business as well. Positive action for children’s rights can build reputations, improve risk management and enhance the social license to operate – including gaining and maintaining the support of the people who live and work where the business is conducted. A commitment to children can also help recruit and maintain a motivated workforce. For example, by supporting employees in their roles as parents and caregivers, and promoting youth employment and helping to ensure that the next generation as the skills a business needs to proper – these are some of the concrete steps that a business can take.

 

The Children’s Rights and Business Principles identify a range of actions that all business should take to respect children’s rights – to prevent and address any adverse impact on children’s human rights, as well as measures all business is encouraged to take to help support and advance children’s rights. It recognizes the tremendous positive power of businesses large and small, and seeks to promote the best business practices. The principles call on the entire business community around the world to evaluate their impact on the rights of children; and to take action to make a difference for children.

 

Actions for Business

Ten principles identify actions for all businesses to respect and support children’s rights.

Principles 1 outlines three core actions to be taken to achieve this corporate responsibility to respect children’s rights – policy commitments, due diligence measures and remediation. It also encourages all businesses to go beyond respect for children’s rights to the next steps of supporting and promoting children’s rights. These actions are based on four basic principles of children’s rights – survival and development; concern for their best interest, participation and freedom of expression; and equal treatment regardless of their status such as race, gender or disability.

The remaining nine Principles encourage business to implement these core actions by considering the impact on children of all their activities and their relationships related to the workplace, marketplace, community and the environment.

Principle 1 Meet their responsibility to respect children’s rights and commit to supporting the human rights of children

Principle 2 Contribute to the elimination of child labour, including in all business activities and business relationships

Principle 3 Provide decent work for young workers, parents and caregivers

Principle 4 Ensure the protection and safety of children in all business activities and facilities

Principle 5 Ensure that products and services are safe, and seek to support children’s rights through them

Principle 6 Use marketing and advertising that respect and support children’s rights

Principle 7 Respect and support children’s rights in relation to the environment and to land acquisition and use

Principle 8 Respect and support children’s rights in security arrangements

Principle 9 Help protect children affected by emergencies

Principle 10 Reinforce community and government efforts to protect and fulfill children’s rights

 

AAR Deworming programme in Schools

De-worming is an efficient investment in human capital

Worm infestation is one of the major neglected diseases which hamper the ability of communities to pull themselves out of poverty. (WHO, UNICEF, World Bank…)

According to the AAR research medical team one of the main demographic NCD drag causes for poor school performance are intestinal worms. WHO, UNICEF as well as the Kenya Ministry of Education, and Kenya Ministry of Health have clearly indicated that worm infestation is one of the major neglected diseases which hamper the ability of communities to pull themselves out of poverty.

Regular deworming contributes to good health and nutrition for school-age children, which in turn leads to increased enrollment and attendance, reduced class repetition, and increased educational attainment. The most disadvantaged children often suffer the most from poor health and malnutrition, and stand the most to gain from deworming.

The overwhelming effects of school-based deworming are a crucial step towards achieving universal global education.

 

 

Rural children waiting to be dewormed, others planting trees and others getting ready to wash their hands

 

Trees for Health – (see: under Environmental)

AAR has put into place a programme called Trees for Health project where it combines the health of children with that of the environment.

 

Extracts from web:

Evidence that school de-worming is beneficial and cost-effective

Partnership for Child development support by WHO< Child to Child, UN Children’s Fund, UN Educational, World Bank, PCD, USAid, Pan American Health Organization, WFP, Save the Children and further endorsed by EA Network of HIV/AIDS & Education EA as well as Kenya Ministry of Education)

De-worming contributes to Education for All

Studies in low-income countries of Africa, South America and Asia confirm that children with intense worm infections perform poorly in learning ability tests, cognitive function and educational achievement. Differences in test performance equivalent to a six- month delay in development

Absenteeism is more frequent among infected than uninfected children - half much as their uninfected peers

 

De-worming can benefit children’s learning and substantially increase primary school attendance and significantly increase a child’s ability to learn in school

De-worming is an exceptionally low cost intervention

Operational research in Ghana and Tanzania has demonstrated that for the first five years of intervention, the average yearly cost of delivered treatment is very inexpensive [5].

 

De-worming gives a high return to education and labor income

A randomized evaluation of school-based mass de-worming for schistosomiasis and intestinal worms in Kenya reduced absenteeism by one-quarter.

De-worming was the most cost-effective method of improving school participation among a series of educational interventions.

 

De-worming is therefore an efficient investment in human capital.

 

De-worming has major externalities for untreated children and the whole community

By reducing the transmission of infection in the community as a whole, de-worming substantially

improves health and school participation for both treated and untreated children, in treatment schools and in neighboring schools. As a result, treating only school age children can reduce  the total burden of disease due to intestinal worm infections by 70% in the community as a whole.

They also explain why de-worming is beneficial even without improvements in sanitation.

 

De-worming targets one of the most common, long-term infections of children in low-income countries.

For girls and boys aged 5 to 14 years in low-income countries, intestinal worms account for an estimated 11 and 12 percent, respectively, of the total disease burden, and represent the single largest contributor to the disease burden of this group.

An estimated 20 percent of disability adjusted life years lost because of communicable disease among school children is a direct result of intestinal worms.

 

Combining environmental health with human health - recycling

The hub of hope for those who have been hopeless

Some five years ago TCF, The Cluster Foundation, was set up which involved itself to improve the quality of life for people who suffer from paralysis (PWP) as a consequence of accidents. TCF rallies paraplegics out of their homes and it has become a hub through which PWPs are encouraged to come back into the mainstream of society brining them hope. What TCF is doing & has done look up: www.theclusterfoundation.org

In order to raise money The Cluster Foundation has found an ingenious way of doing just that: it collects newspapers in offices the sale of which allows them to run their office.

Here is where AAR has been helping by rallying its staff and reps to bring their old newspapers.

AAR also encourages other companies to do the same.

Encouraging staff to participate in such a simple act as bringing its old newspapers creates a sense of wanting to help the less fortunate.

 

AAR State and Government

• Respect                                                        Adhering to the laws

AAR respects the elected                           AAR adheres to laws of the lands

governments, the rule of law, and  where it does business. Its policies

all organs of the state in countries             and practices are all in compliance

where it conducts business                        where necessary

• Responsibility                                 Member of various government

AAR is responsible and law-abiding        bodies

corporate citizens who co-operates          KEPSA, FKE etc

fully with governments to promote

good governance in countries

where it conducts business

• Compliance                                                 Measurement

AAR complies with all laws and                AAR has a 3^rd party auditor Ernst &

regulations of countries where it                Young, assuring compliance to laws

conducts business, and it pays its             and regulations and advises on tax

taxes                                                               payments and compliance

• Corruption Prevention                              Internal Audit

AAR does not bribe public officials           The audit department carries out

or engage in corrupt practices,                   scheduled audits based on the annual

it reports corruption, and it collaborates    plan. The audit plan is a product of a

with governments where it conducts         risk base process that identifies key

business, to stamp out corruption areas that pose the greatest risk to AAR

business health. AAR is very much aware that corruption, especially involving bribery and extortion,  compromises the entire internal control system

AAR Natural Environment

• Respect                                                        Environmental Policy Statement

AAR treats natural environment                 to practice and take business decisions

and biodiversity with respect                      which do not impact negatively on the

environment

It does this through:

-       drawing awareness of staff to the equitable use of resources without degrading the environment or risking health and safety

-       encouraging the conservation and enhancement of natural as well as man-made heritage, including biological diversity and unique ecosystems

-       encouraging the improvement of conditions and productivity of degraded areas

-       drawing awareness and understanding of the link between environment and development

-       promoting individual and community participation in the company in making a positive impact on the environment around themselves

• Responsibility AAR acknowledges the fundamental

AAR takes responsibility for its                  right to environmental protection so that

impact on the natural environment,           we humans have the right to live in a

supports green business practices,           healthy environment

and take remedial actions to ensure

the sustainability of natural resources

• Compliance                                                 Office and Health Centres

AAR complies with environmental laws   Offices and AAR health centres make

and regulations and implements               an effort to implement environmentally

environmentally sustainable practices     sustainable practices: water, electricity,

wherever possible                                        laboratory and other medical waste, recycling of paper

External

Being in the health sector, AAR has concentrated on how the environment impacts on human health, especially that of children – introduced Trees for Health Project This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Corruption Prevention

AAR avoids corrupt practices                     Complies through its policies

that can degrade our natural

heritage

AAR - Trees for Health  -  project

AAR Holdings took a strategic decision in 2007 and the AAR Beckmann Trust was set up with the aim to facilitate development of a healthcare environment which impacts right down to the lowest income earners. One of the trust’s goals is to improve human, especially children’s, health conditions through better environment and sanitation.

 

It was in the 1990ies that AAR recognised schools as being a major user of firewood and AAR began to encourage them to plant their own energy. In 2009 the AAR Beckmann Trust decided to further intervene by introducing the Trees for Health project. The aim is to both educate and directly enroll schools in the art and benefits of tree planting and how this can impact on human and environmental health.

 

The Trees for Health project has three components: 1) the School Tree Planting programme; 2) the De-worming programme which is directly the result of the first; and 3) TOT – Trainers of Teachers programme, based on learning and action, this programme creates awareness of environmental stability by creating a multiplier effect in communities situated around the schools and provides continuity.

 

 

Tree p

School Tree Planting programme

AARBT works with schools in low income populations to educate students and teachers on the need for environmental conservation and the benefits that a healthy eco-system provides. It also directly contributes to the Kenya 2030 Vision to see a 10% tree cover from today’s 1.5% cover.

 

Tree planting demonstration in a Kenyan rural school

 

School children take direct responsibility for preparing the tree holes, planting the seedlings and caring for them until they mature. This is achieved through practical lessons in tree planting and caring.

Schools are a large user of firewood, as they grow their own source, they free up resources which can now be spent on life saving health initiatives such as de-worming and improvement of sanitary conditions.

School Children De-worming programme

According to WHO, UNICEF and AAR research medical team, one of the main demographic neglected diseases is worm infestation. Worm enter children bodies through the water they drink or the food they eat. Worm infestation drags school performance down and once established in the host i.e. children, they steal viral nutrients from the children’s digestive tract and deplete their intellectual energy. Among other things it causes iron deficiency anaemia. Anaemia is an insidious illness that may cause no apparent symptoms, but will eventually present with malnutrition, malaise and fatigue.

 

Deworming in the field

 

The problem can be easily and inexpensively tackled by having a regular de-worming programme in place.

The School Children De-worming programme is financed by parents (establishing self-sustainability) or with the savings generated through the savings made through the sustainable energy system created by planting trees on school grounds. Any remaining monies are used for other essential health requirements such as access to proper sanitation and clean water among others. Lack of proper sanitation is a big problem in schools and low income communities.

 

TOT – Trainers of Teachers programme –

 

Multiplier effect into the communities

As we know training others is the best way to spread knowledge and empower individuals, AARBT has developed a school programme that teaches students, teachers, and community members how to plant trees, take care of them and perpetuate the training of others. The consequence is a multiplier effect.

 

 

 

Based on learning and action, this programme creates awareness of environmental stability by creating a multiplier effect in the community and provides continuity to the Trust’s Trees for Health planting project in schools.

 

Trees for Health project impacts

• Re-forestation (Kenya Vision 2030 aims at 10% forest cover by 2030)

• Encouraging self sustainability: Schools growing their own firewood on school grounds
• Generated/saved funds used for basic preventive health needs such as

-       De-worming of school children

-       Encouraging & improving better sanitary conditions (dirty toilets are a source of re-infection)

-       Introduction of cleaner and more efficient cook stoves – multiplier effect into community

-       Introduction of safe drinking and water accessibility for hand washing

• Environmentally conscious generation: directly involving schools, communities, teachers and  children, in the tree planting process from hole preparation to  care and management of the tree, hence encouraging an environmental conscious generation
• Enhancing self-sustainability: community i.e. parents pay for the inexpensive de-wormers – less than USD 0.50 a child

Conclusion

AAR Today

With a current membership of 200,000, AAR is not only a leader in the provision of healthcare and other medical and life solutions, but is also the preferred provider for both the public and private sectors in East Africa

AAR is also alert to the need to be always ahead in its service delivery and is committed to the continuous improvement of its services and infrastructure. By the end of 2012 AAR had expanded its clinical base to 26 throughout the East African region. It also runs factory clinics in Tanzania, and works closely with an extended partner network

Clinics – Health Centres

AAR is today the largest and most successful private healthcare company with a footprint in the East African region. It operates 26 health centres spread over Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and 5 factory clinics in Tanzania; through its partner network it

 

 

 

has a presents in Rwanda, Burundi, Southern Sudan; it provides preventative and curative healthcare to clients from all walks of life

Health promotion and prevention

From the outset it is in AAR’s culture to have prevention right in the forefront of services offered in all AAR Health Centres

 

PREVENTIAON – PREVENTION – PREVENTION and EDUCATION

Prevention is better than cure. This is an integral part of services provided in AAR’s health centres

Nurse Help Line and 24 hour Call Centre and 24 hour medical facilities

AAR has a twenty four hour Nurse Help Line and Emergency Call Centre. It now offers a 24 hour telemedicine service.

Rescue

AAR offers rescue and evacuation services to its members from anywhere in the world

 

Insurance

AAR has 2 separate insurance companies, AAR Insurance Tanzania and AAR Insurance Kenya, and in the course of 2013 AAR Uganda will be set up. These

companies are regulated by the laws of the different countries they operate in as medical and general insurance companies

 

AAR Credit

Through AAR Credit Services, AAR members have a facility that finances their premiums and allows them to conveniently pay their annual membership fees and other personalized loans. Through this service, AAR goes the extra mile by adding value to its members by easing their cash flow and allowing them to upgrade and retain their membership. The credit service is currently available to AAR members in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania

 

 

 

IT System

AAR has renewed and implemented a new, robust clinical and administration IT system to create and support its service delivery. Its ever-growing number of health centres throughout the region, increased membership and diversification of skills base, has placed AAR at an advantageous position to be at the helm of healthcare in Africa

 

Rewards/Customer Loyalty Programmes

In order to enhance its services to its members, AAR has incentive programmes which entitles its members and non-members but users of its services to special offers.

The aim of these programmes is to provide AAR members with additional value above that provided to them through their health plans. The special offers are made available

through a network of selected partners. Redeeming of offers from partners is applicable

to AAR members across its membership base regardless of membership type. The ultimate goal is the strengthening of customer relations and enhanced customer loyalty

 

AAR Beckmann Trust

The CSR arm of AAR is administered by the AAR Beckmann Trust which was set up in 2007. It also runs the Employee Volunteer Programmes, and its aim is to facilitate the development of a healthcare environment and network that ensures competency and quality of life.

The Trust’s vision is to see an East Africa where every individual can access health and enjoy a wholesome quality of life and its mission is to improve health and living conditions of low-income communities in East Africa by involving and empowering the lower income sector of the population in initiatives that foster a healthy environment.

Looking Ahead

AAR is committed to fulfilling its mission and its vision and is continuously on the lookout for opportunities on the African continent. AAR already has a presents in Nigeria and Ghana. It has received and is studying a number of special interests and invites from the governments of countries neighbouring Eastern Africa - including Somalia, Ethiopia, Zambia, Eastern Congo and Southern Sudan – who wish to benefit from its services and learn from its experiences

 

AAR Karen Health Centre is now open!! The health centre is located at the Great Jubilee Centre next to NPC Karen Church, Langata road. The new centre will provide a range of comprehensive diagnostic services which include laboratory, nutritionist and specialist consultation among other services.

 

The new health centre  will be open from 8am to 8pm on Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm on Saturdays and 10 am to 2pm on Sundays and Public Holidays

The Karen Health Centre is open to both AAR members and the public.

AAR Adams Health Centre is now open! The  Health Centre is located at Greenhouse building , Ngong Road. The new health centre  will be open from 8am to 7pm on Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and 10 am to 2pm on Sundays and Public Holidays. It will provide a range of comprehensive diagnostic services which include laboratory services, nutrition and lifestyle counseling among other services. This comes in fulfillment of AAR’s plans to expand its Healthcare arm of business in the region. The opening of the new Health Centre will significantly contribute to bringing health care as close as possible to where people live and work strengthening AAR’s presence in markets not just in the region but across the continent.

AAR Parklands Health centre has also relocated to a more spacious location at Diamond Plaza Annexe, 3^rd floor, 4^th Parklands Avenue.