African Life Assurance has launched an AIDS assurance policy in Zambia that will allow companies in the country to provide their employees living with HIV/AIDS access to affordable antiretroviral treatment for the rest of their lives, according to Zambia’s Post, Xinhua/People’s Daily reports.

Zambian companies and associations also can choose whether to cover employees’ spouses and up to three children on the plan.

The policy will pay fixed monthly benefits for antiretroviral treatment and a maternity benefit for female employees to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, Xinhua/People’s Daily reports.

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

Mark Barberini, actuary manager for African Life, said that the policy is a response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country and will supplement the government’s efforts in containing the spread of the disease (Xinhua/People’s Daily, 8/23).