The Changing Role of Business in the HIV/AIDS Crisis.

This article discusses the changing role of the business sector in light of the HIV/AIDS pandemic as of September 2004. Some industries, such as the oil and extractives field, have reported that as much as 25 percent of their work forces have been infected with HIV. In addition, the escalation of the disease in the world's fastest growing markets--including China, India, and Russia--threatens both those countries' economic potential and their political stability. Recognition of these facts is motivating multinational corporations and small- and medium-sized enterprises to become involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, not merely for reasons of good corporate citizenship but increasingly out of a more comprehensive understanding of corporate self-interest. Even workplace AIDS testing and counseling programs have been implemented, business leaders are forced to admit that the utilization of HIV services by employees remains low. Led by over 170 international companies, the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBC) has worked with the United Nation for the last year to officially change policy and move away from strictly passive voluntary testing and counseling to an approach that routinely offers and recommends testing. Following the announcement of that change, the GBC launched a global campaign to increase demand for and provision of testing and counseling services. Funding for these efforts has increased significantly, and the GBC is seeking the renewed support of business and community leaders, reductions in drug and diagnostic pricing, and the integration of private and public delivery of healthcare services.