The HIV/AIDS epidemic has become a global crisis affecting all levels of society. Increasingly affected is the business world, which is suffering not only from the human cost to the workforce but also in terms of losses in profits and productivity that result in many new challenges for both employers and employees.

Across the world, AIDS is having a direct and indirect impact on business. In southern Africa, for example, it is estimated that more than 20% of the economically active population in the 15–49-year-old age group is infected with HIV. In the workplace, employers are experiencing reduced productivity as a result of employee absenteeism and death. Consequently, employers are challenged to manage the impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace, which includes dealing with issues of stigma and discrimination, changing requirements for health-care benefits, training of replacement staff, and loss of skills and knowledge among employees.

Business has played a leadership role in tackling the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which is gaining increasing recognition. With the impact of this deadly scourge being felt most among those of working age, HIV/AIDS is a key workplace issue. Global partnerships thus are an essential part of the response. In this respect, the IOE has developed close working relations with UNAIDS and the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. The Global Fund Executive Director, Richard Feachem, addressed the Employers’ Group at the June 2004 International Labour Conference to discuss possibilities of collaboration between federations and the Fund at national level. The IOE also took part in the Fund’s first partnership forum held in Bangkok in 2004.

One of the missions of the IOE is to facilitate the transfer of information and experience to employers’ organizations in the social and labour fields. We provide advice to members in addressing this important issue and provide guidance on how they can proactively work to tackle it.