Businesses worldwide are increasingly recognizing that HIV/AIDS can affect productivity and profitability. In fact, South Africa estimates that, if the current trend continues, the epidemic will cost the country 1% of GDP each year by the year 2005. A growing number of companies, in countries such as Brazil and South Africa, have formed business coalitions to help each other deal with the crises in their workplaces and communities. Businesses face enormous challenges in responding to HIV/AIDS. This technical update discusses these challenges, which include obtaining and sustaining management commitment, and supporting staff with HIV/AIDS. It also documents the necessary steps for an effective HIV/AIDS workplace programme, and provides successful examples of such initiatives, such as the Botswana Meat Commission’s HIV/AIDS programme.
