The State of Business & AIDS, TB and Malaria

Business is active in getting AIDS testing and treatment for employees, and increasing their focus on women and girls--but generally not reaching into their supply chains, according to a new Coalition/Booz & Company survey.  Businesses are less active on TB and malaria.

Key findings of the survey include:

  •  Partnerships, prevention and non-discrimination are the pillars of business action on HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. Business also is very engaged in providing testing and counseling and treatment and support for its employees.  We must capitalize on business’ desire to engage in effective partnerships, to ensure that business resources are mobilized where it is needed most.
  • Access to HIV testing and counseling services is widespread.  Three-quarters  of companies provide information and education on testing and counseling.  Two-thirds provide testing services for employees, either in-house or at off-site clinics. Testing programs are increasingly sophisticated, with 39 percent offering immediate access to CD4/viral load counts.
  • CEO Leadership is Paramount.   More than half of the surveyed companies have engaged their CEOs to communicate the company HIV position or policy with employees – and 25% of CEOs have publicly taken an HIV test.  This top-level corporate leadership on the issue is critical for many reasons, including the reduction of workplace stigma and a willingness to play a role in shaping effective public policies.
  • Business is focusing on women and girls.  Public health experts have stressed the urgent need to take action against the “feminization” of the HIV pandemic and the particular vulnerability of women and girls to HIV infection.  Business is clearly hearing that message and is implementing a variety of innovative programs in the workplace and in the broader community.
  • Business has not yet fully engaged the supply chain.  The survey indicates that the supply chain has yet to become a key focus for business. With small- and medium-sized businesses employing 80 percent of the world's workers, business will not be fully mobilized against HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria until these companies are engaged.
  • Business is moderately engaged in malaria control efforts., The survey indicates that a quarter of companies regard malaria as a corporate priority.  However, a series of landmark initiatives, including the Global Malaria Action Plan and new partnerships between business and governments, are on the horizon.
  • Business is moderately engaged in tuberculosis control efforts.  While 40% of businesses provide educational information on TB to their employees,  only one-third are engaged in activities to integrate TB and HIV. Business must increase action to effectively address HIV/TB co-infection.

» View the key findings from the 2008 Version: The State of Business and HIV/AIDS, TB & Malaria (PDF)

» Read the 2006 Version: The State of Business and HIV/AIDS (PDF)