The critical role of the business community in Africa’s HIV response was highlighted during a side event held at the Africa CEO Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, on 16 March.

The event sought to renew the commitment of the continent’s business leaders to promoting voluntary and confidential HIV testing for workers and ensuring access to HIV treatment, as well as challenging stigma and discrimination.  

It was attended by the chief executives of some of Africa’s largest companies, who heard that business leadership is vital for ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. It was noted that high-quality workplace HIV policies are not only in the best interests of workers and their families but are hugely beneficial to the companies themselves, with such smart investment leading to a healthier, more productive workforce.

The event also saw the launch of a new publication entitled AIDS is everyone’s business, it includes a collection of messages from top business leaders, several from Africa, highlighting the need to challenge AIDS-related discrimination and to close the gap on HIV testing and treatment.

HIV represents a huge burden to Africa, its companies and its workforce. The continent accounts for 71% of the 35 million people living with HIV worldwide, 69% of new HIV infections and 74% of AIDS-related deaths.