| CHALLENGE:
Small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) are frequently unable
to initiate workplace HIV/AIDS intervention programs due to
significant start up costs associated with es-tablishing a
comprehensive program. However, these same or-ganizations
understand the impact HIV/AIDS is having on their bottom line
- profit. SMEs face the same challenges from HIV/AIDS as larger
entities: high prevalence and morbidity rates, which frequently
result in staff turn over, lower productiv-ity, and higher
labor costs. In extreme cases, these costs result in business
collapse and closure.
INITIATIVE: In an attempt to assist SMEs
meet the chal-lenges posed by HIV/AIDS, the Southern Africa
Global Com-petitiveness Hub has developed workplace programs
by establishing “clusters” of firms within defined geographic
areas and sectors. These clusters are able to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of their HIV/AIDS education and
prevention, care and treatment programs. The cluster approach
allows for economies of scale and cost sharing among cluster
members. |
|
It also enables members to pool both financial
and technical resources necessary, for effective implementation
of compre-hensive HIV/AIDS workplace programs Using this innovative
approach, the Trade Hub’s HIV/AIDS Advisor has worked with
agribusiness clusters in South Africa and Zambia to design
workplace programs. These programs have been developed with
the understanding that AIDS awareness, prevention, linkages
to care and treatment programs in the workplace are fundamental
for long-term business competitiveness.
RESULTS: The cluster approach to workplace
programs for HIV/AIDS awareness, education, care, and support
activities by the Southern Africa Trade Hub has directly impacted
the lives of 18,200 workers to date. Additionally 75,000 secondary
beneficiaries lives are directly affected by the programs.
Equally important has been the ability to leverage funding
to support the programs. Examples include funds through PEPFAR
assisted programs, local and national governments, and from
private sector organizations to cover the costs of intervention
activities. |
