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AFRICA: Businesses acting against HIV/AIDS - study

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

JOHANNESBURG, 3 June (PLUSNEWS) - Realising that HIV/AIDS would affect their bottom line over the next five years, nearly two-thirds of African businesses are now taking steps to tackle the pandemic, a survey has revealed.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) survey of 1,620 businesses showed that most were already experiencing some negative effects, ranging from increased absenteeism to higher health care costs for employees.

Kate Taylor, director of the WEF Global Health Initiative was quoted by Reuters as saying: "Core business is really being affected. Companies are seeing a rise in operating costs, medical costs and even drops in revenue because of HIV/AIDS."

UNAIDS estimates that four countries in sub-Saharan Africa will see their workforce shrink by as much as 30 percent by 2020, while another 14 will experience losses of 10 to 30 percent because of the disease.

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