The purpose of this "blueprint" is to assist businesses' response against HIV/AIDS for African companies confronted with the epidemic. It draws on the experience of various stakeholders such as UNAIDS, ILO, the World Bank, NGOs and companies which have successfully initiated HIV/AIDS workplace programs.

This tool analyzes why it makes business sense to initiate an HIV workplace program. It shows how comprehensive approaches, where prevention and care reinforce each other, offer the best opportunities to mitigate the impact of the epidemic on the business.

It also intends to help the companies design their HIV strategic plan and implement their workplace program, capitalizing on the experience and best practices of pioneer companies and NGOs. We try to give the key elements of answer to the questions that companies have, such as how to organize successful prevention, HIV testing and treatment programs.

It is meant to be user friendly and practical. Feedback of companies on its contents is welcome and will allow improving its usefulness. In addition, MSD is committed to helping the companies implement the principles and guidelines of this new tool, providing consultancy and technical support until completion of the HIV project.