AIDS: All is not well in the business community!

Dec 13, 2003

SIR— World AIDS Day activities captured their share of media headlines, from the star-studded ‘46664’ Nelson Mandela concert, to Uganda’s Gaetano Jjuuko Kaggwa.

SIR— World AIDS Day activities captured their share of media headlines, from the star-studded ‘46664’ Nelson Mandela concert, to Uganda’s Gaetano Jjuuko Kaggwa.

In contrast, the media was less focused on the intricacies of HIV/AIDS in the workplace. Yet HIV/AIDS costs to businesses, such as increased health-care expenses, decreased productivity as worker absenteeism rises owing to personal illness or absence from work to care for sick relatives, may cause enough fear in most employers, as to write off such employees and fire them.

No employee in their right mind would dare reveal their HIV/AIDS status at work; most would quit rather than be subjected to the shame and stigma or being fired.

Thus adding the burden of being both sick and unemployed. What if they had a family to take care of?

However, what if the business had invested heavily in training the skilled employee?

Inevitably, the above HIV/AIDS epidemic cycle can only weaken the economic strength and vitality of a nation.

Clearly the business community has its work cut out in prioritising HIV/AIDS in the workplace, while jointly seeking possible solutions with employees.

All eyes remain on Uganda as its success of fighting AIDS continues to unfold. President Museveni was recognised for his leadership in this struggle earlier this year in Washington, and shortly President Bush visited Uganda and promised his country’s continued support.

Last week, US Secretary for Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson, came to Uganda to reiterate Bush’s support. Alongside Uganda’s health minister Brig Jim Muhwezi and among a US delegation of nearly 100, Thompson vowed that America would continue to stand by Uganda.

Additionally, Thompson, whose delegation had key representatives from both the Global Fund, and the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, called on the business community to do more in the fight against AIDs.

If the business community were to answer this call, they could follow in the footsteps of leading organisations like UNAIDS and USAID, whose HIV/AIDs financial support throughout Uganda is testimony to community partnerships, which have changed lives and made a difference.

No, all is not well in the business community. Employees need prevention care, and support and employers can help by providing this.

It would be a healthy start towards fostering positive relations between businesses and employees, as well as possibly sustaining the economy.

Robie Kakonge
President
American Chamber of
Commerce in East Africa

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