|
Plea to view HIV/Aids as a strategic concern
2006-12-24 09:44:08
By Simon Kivamwo
Tanzania’s Aids Business Coalition (ABCT) has recommends that businesses should now start to view HIV/AIDS as a strategic concern rather than just a corporate social responsibility issue.
In addition, they should become increasingly creative in the way they leverage their core product services and expertise to assist in the fight against the pandemic.
The recommendations were made this week by ABCT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Kasesela at the climax the just concluded 3rd Multi-sectoral AIDS Conference held in Arusha.
”We believe time has come when companies should take HIV/AIDS as a business matter and not a problem for the government alone,’’ remarked Kasesela.
The more progressive employers believe that people are the most economically productive in the work force, he said, noting that ’’If they have HIV/AIDS, they represent a tremendous business liability, in terms of absenteeism, more mistakes on the job, and lower productivity.’’
He said ABCT which was formed in the year 2004 specifically to advocate for employers’ participation in the fight against HIV/AIDS, believed that there was an urgent need to increase the role of business in advocacy and in particular extend programmes into the supply chain and the community.
Kasesela remarked: ’’This is where we need strong partnership with the government, in particular the advocacy role.
There is need to leverage CEO and senior leadership to dispel myths and stigma, break down workplace barriers and influence community change’’.
He said a sustained effort was required from business leaders and the government to further broaden and deepen the response through well targeted and managed programmes.
’’In doing so, companies should set priorities based on the likely impact of programmes.’’
ABCT’s membership has grown from 23 companies to 54 by 15th December 2006.
The coalition has also gained local and international recognition and is a member of Pan Africa Business Coalition which was launched in Abuja 2005.
Of the 54 member companies, 40 per cent have HIV/AIDS programmes at their work site, he said. ABCT has attracted collaboration with a number of strategic partners in the course of its activities.
|
