Report Type: Issue/Program Brief

With no cure in sight, prevention is the only way to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Prevention programs can help people protect themselves against HIV infection and help foster greater tolerance for people already living with the disease. They are essential not only for workplaces in high prevalence settings but have become increasingly integral in areas of low prevalence and emerging epidemics.

HIV/AIDS prevention programs make good business sense and are an excellent investment:

--Studies have estimated that prevention programs can cost as little as US$3 or $4 per year of life saved, less than 1% the cost of responding to employees already infected with HIV;1

--Prevention programs can reduce HIV-related fears and stigma, thereby improving employee morale and labor relations;

--They can also bring about positive changes in behavior, leading to a healthier workforce, less absenteeism, more reliable supply networks and higher productivity.