Bush fires are one of the main threats to any agriculture undertaking. SORESIN mitigates this risk by constructing fire belts on our own fields and those of

community farmlands as well. Workers are then trained in fire fighting and provided with fire-fighting equipment.

SORESIN also organizes controlled burning to prevent unplanned and destruc­tive burning, and to safeguard the plantation and preserved areas, and conducts community awareness program on fires and the dangers of bush burning to the environment and natural resources.

6.7.8

Healthcare

Lack of preventative care and poor health are major contributors to the poverty trap. The capacity to grow and learn, live and work productively, and take care of a family depends on good health.

The health of SORESIN workers and community members is of prime impor­tance to the company. Outside of providing workers with protective equipment and clothing, and training them in occupational safety and hygiene, SORESIN provides a small facility and pays the salary for a nurse or doctor that the entire community can access.

This healthcare worker not only provides care to the community, but also serves as the conduit for promoting awareness and information on health, safety, and environmental protection procedures. This includes HIV/AIDS services and awareness, which is a critical component to the healthcare policy. The HIV/AIDS policy is in line with the national strategic plan for HIV/AIDS prevention/aware — ness, and includes care and counseling for infected workers/community members, HIV testing, condom use promotion and distribution, and HIV/AIDS education.

6.7.9