35th World AIDS Day Marks Role Employers, Communities Play in Combating HIV

The World Health Organization (WHO) and others around the world are observing World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. Approximately 1.2 million Americans have HIV, and there is a disproportionate impact on Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities, according to HIV.gov.

Mercer and the U.S. Business Action to End HIV coalition, in collaboration with the Health Action Alliance, developed a World AIDS Day toolkit for employers to help combat HIV in the workplace.

Misinformation, discrimination, and stigma about the disease persist, noted Tracy Watts, Mercer's national health policy leader, in a statement about the toolkit.

"Employers play a crucial role in protecting and educating their employees about HIV. That's why the U.S. Business Action to End HIV, a Health Action Alliance initiative, has created a suite of free resources to help employers provide comprehensive medical coverage and flexible time off for medical appointments or sickness, create a safe work environment, and strengthen workplace policies."

The toolkit lists six steps for employers to take to raise awareness about HIV, combat stigma, and create a supportive environment:

1. Educate your workforce about HIV.
2. Provide comprehensive health insurance and benefits.
3. Establish a workplace HIV policy.
4. Encourage testing.
5. Create safe spaces where employees can speak openly about HIV.
6. Partner with a local health organization.

SHRM Online collected the following news articles and resources about HIV and World AIDS Day.

Coalition of Leading U.S. Companies Reveals Joint Progress to Combat HIV Epidemic on Eve of World AIDS Day

Walmart, Uber, CVS Health, Paramount Pictures, Match Group, and Mercer are part of a rapidly growing private - sector effort to accelerate ending HIV in the U.S.

Forty businesses, anchored by several major employers and brands, have joined forces as part of U.S. Business Action to End HIV. The coalition is led by the Health Action Alliance, the nation's largest private - sector network of employers operating at the intersection of business and public health, in partnership with Gilead Sciences and ViiV Healthcare. (Yahoo! Finance)

U.S. HIV Statistics and Trends

View city, county, state, regional, and national profiles with local HIV/AIDS statistics, along with downloadable charts and local resources. (AIDSVu)

World AIDS Day 2023: History, Significance, and Strategies to Lower Risk

World AIDS Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is a time for people worldwide to unite and show support for those living with HIV, commemorate those who have died from AIDS - related illnesses, and advocate for increased efforts to prevent new infections.

The WHO announced the day in 1998 as an official global health observance. It was established to provide a platform for governments, organizations, and individuals to raise awareness and take action against HIV/AIDS.

(NDTV)

What Is World AIDS Day and Why Does It Matter?

HIV/AIDS is not necessarily the death sentence it once was. Advances in treatment and understanding mean many people with HIV can now live long lives with the help of consistent medication, and the spread of the disease has been curbed. But while the virus doesn't seem as unstoppable as it once did, it remains one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

World AIDS Day is observed to help break down prejudice, remember lives lost, and highlight the progress that still needs to be made. (World Economic Forum)

World AIDS Day 2023: Events in Geneva and Around the World

"Let communities lead" is the theme for the 2023 World AIDS Day. WHO noted it is more than a celebration of achievements by communities - it is "a call to action to enable and support communities in their leadership roles." This year, the WHO celebrates and recognizes the invaluable contributions of communities in leading the response to HIV. (WHO)