DiversityInc - July/August 2006

Global Health

& Re^Ss^op^coⁱn^as^libility

HIV has infected

65 million people worldwide over the past 25 years. As this epidemic continues to impact global economies, a growing number of corporations are dedicating resources to help.

Here’s how.

Much has changed since HIV/AIDS was first reported in 1981. It forced us to face our prejudices and develop new lifesaving drugs. The virus also set into motion a host of socially responsible corporations committed to helping employees, suppliers and communities worldwide fight this pandemic. Still, HIV/AIDS presents a huge risk to the global economy. Experts predict that without access to treatment, the number of people infected worldwide could grow to 74 million by 2015.

For corporations looking to
outsource products or expand
globally, HIV/AIDS has become
an unavoidable fact of doing

business. But even if you’re not a multinational with employees based in a country heavily hit, HIV/AIDS remains an exceptional threat. According to the latest World Economic Forum report, the proportion of firms worldwide that expect HIV to affect their operations in the next five years jumped from 37 percent in 2004 to 46 percent. Productivity losses, increased absenteeism and rising insurance and training costs are just a few ways HIV impacts your bottom line.

Here in the U.S., the number of people living with HIV/AIDS rose from 944,305 in 2004 to about 1. 2 million today, according to George Roberts, Ph.D., associate director for preven-

tion partnership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC estimates that 40,000 new infections occur each year. And although people are living longer with HIV, “that also increases the risk of exposure to others,” says Roberts. That’s why preventing the further spread is everyone’s business, adds Jerome J. Radwin, CEO of amfAR, a nonprofit that supports HIV/AIDS research, prevention, treatment, education and the advocacy of public policy. While government initiatives are still key, reaching people through the workplace has become highly effective.