The most recent figures on HIV and AIDS show that the epidemic is outpacing action, with 4.9 million new cases of HIV identified in 2005. In the same year, 3.1 million people died due to AIDS. (Source: AIDS epidemic update 2005, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).)

The impact of HIV and AIDS is felt at every level of society –in families, communities and workplaces– and in every part of the world. Of the approximately 40 million people infected with HIV today, at least 36 million are in their most economically productive period (between 15 and 49 years old). This portion of society is so heavily affected that it negatively impacts on the size and structure of populations, on the family and social cohesion, on the livelihoods of individuals and on the economies of nations.

Understanding the immense impact of HIV and AIDS is essential to being able to respond effectively. Employers throughout the world are learning an important lesson: constructive and proactive responses to HIV in the workplace lead to:

• Improved industrial relations.

• Better productivity.

• Work environments that advance the basic human rights of workers.

This module focuses on the challenges HIV poses for the workplace and on the significant role enterprises can play to reduce the effect of the disease on them. Employers can take concrete steps today to ensure that workers know about HIV and AIDS and how they affect society.

• Click here to view the HIV and AIDS in the workplace sub-module.