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More Asian employers are now making efforts to prevent HIV and Aids,
reports a new survey from the World Economic Forum's Global Health
Initiative. Of the companies covered, 24 per cent said they had
prevention policies and 46 per cent of these were confident they were
prepared.
'This should encourage more firms in China and elsewhere to take up such policies,' said Francesca Boldrini, the initiative's director. 'In particular, we would like to see firms set an example in fighting stigma by enacting strong non-discrimination policies.'
The researchers observed that the impact of HIV and Aids on Asian business appears limited so far. About two-thirds reported only a minimal effect on revenue, and infection rates overall were found to be 'relatively low'.
However, 40 per cent of Chinese businesses in the survey expected HIV and Aids to have some impact on their activities within five years and a fairly high proportion were already noticing some effects. The survey found recruitment and training expenses were affected in 32 per cent of Chinese companies and medical expenses were similarly hit in 30 per cent. Absenteeism and loss of productivity were apparent in 312 per cent.
The researchers found China was experiencing one of the world's most rapidly expanding HIV and Aids epidemics. The latest figures, for 2003, are that 840,000 were infected and 44,000 died of Aids. The frightening statistic is that more than ten million are thought likely to be infected in five years' time.
In compiling the report - Business and HIV/Aids in Asia: Pushing Back the Tide - the initiative was partnered by Harvard University, the American Foundation for Aids Research, and Unaids, the United Nations agency.
'This should encourage more firms in China and elsewhere to take up such policies,' said Francesca Boldrini, the initiative's director. 'In particular, we would like to see firms set an example in fighting stigma by enacting strong non-discrimination policies.'
The researchers observed that the impact of HIV and Aids on Asian business appears limited so far. About two-thirds reported only a minimal effect on revenue, and infection rates overall were found to be 'relatively low'.
However, 40 per cent of Chinese businesses in the survey expected HIV and Aids to have some impact on their activities within five years and a fairly high proportion were already noticing some effects. The survey found recruitment and training expenses were affected in 32 per cent of Chinese companies and medical expenses were similarly hit in 30 per cent. Absenteeism and loss of productivity were apparent in 312 per cent.
The researchers found China was experiencing one of the world's most rapidly expanding HIV and Aids epidemics. The latest figures, for 2003, are that 840,000 were infected and 44,000 died of Aids. The frightening statistic is that more than ten million are thought likely to be infected in five years' time.
In compiling the report - Business and HIV/Aids in Asia: Pushing Back the Tide - the initiative was partnered by Harvard University, the American Foundation for Aids Research, and Unaids, the United Nations agency.
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