Aid for AIDS: Companies operating in Africa and other “high-prevalence”
regions are feeling the effects of a mounting crisis of HIV-positive workers.
More than two-thirds of companies have been affected by HIV/AIDS, with one-fifth
of companies “anticipating a growing impact of this epidemic” during the next
three years, according to a report by the Conference Board. Of 134 major firms
surveyed, 82 percent have instituted programs to help employees either suffering
from HIV or at risk of contracting the disease. The most popular option is
offering an employee assistance program. About 75 percent of companies reported
gains from offering HIV/AIDS programs.
The disease poses a significant threat to workforce development. According to
the report, more than 33 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, with a
whopping 40 percent between 15 and 24, “the age at which employees are just
entering the workforce” and who likely will need continuing medical treatment as
they age. Companies feel the impact in the form of fewer skilled workers, higher
rates of absenteeism, increased health care insurance costs, higher turnover and
a concomitant drop in worker productivity, according to the research.
More than 90 percent of firms plan to maintain or increase their spending on
HIV/AIDS over the coming years. Companies operating in sub-Saharan Africa
accounted for nearly 70 percent of all HIV cases worldwide last year, and are
expected to lead the way in AIDS-related spending increases. Those companies
also are the most likely to offer on-site treatment to employees.
The number of new AIDS cases increased 23 percent since 2001 both in Asia and
Latin America, while in Eastern Europe and Central Asia the number of new
infections soared by 34 percent.
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