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On Dec. 1 each year, World AIDS Day offers an opportunity for people to share their experiences, remember those who have lost their lives to HIV-related illnesses, and recommit to ending the epidemic. 

Thanks to scientific breakthroughs, people can now take medicine to prevent HIV or avoid transmitting it to others if they are living with it. 

Despite these developments, HIV prevention and treatment services are not reaching all of the people who need them. Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ people — particularly across the U.S. South — are disproportionately impacted by HIV and often are underserved by the health care system. 

Business leaders have a unique opportunity to take action. To help you get started, we’re pleased to share the Health Action Alliance’s 2024 World AIDS Day Toolkit for Employers. Below, you’ll find:

• Eye-opening statistics on the state of HIV in the U.S.
• An overview of the new toolkit 
• How companies like Accenture, Chevron, and ViiV Healthcare have recognized World AIDS Day

The U.S. HIV Epidemic by the Numbers

Today, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives, thanks to advances in HIV treatment and prevention. ART (antiretroviral therapy) improves the health of people with HIV and prevents the transmission of the virus to others, while PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) helps protect people who are HIV-negative from getting the virus.

However, stigma, lack of information, and inadequate healthcare coverage keep people from getting tested and accessing the care they need.

• 1.2 million people live with HIV in the U.S.
• 91% of people with HIV are working age.
• 80% of new infections are transmitted by people who are not aware they have HIV or are not receiving any HIV care. 
• 36% of people who could benefit from taking PrEP are using it. 

Sources

World AIDS Day Toolkit for Employers

While great strides have been made since the first reported cases of AIDS in 1981, HIV continues to impact communities across the country, and stigma, discrimination, and barriers to health care persist. 

Ending HIV requires a concentrated and united effort across all sectors of society, including the business community, to ensure that the most powerful HIV prevention and treatment tools are accessible to those who need them most.

We invite you to use our updated toolkit to take meaningful action against HIV in your workplace this World AIDS Day.

Inside, you’ll find six main actions employers can take, including:

1. Educating your workforce about HIV
2. Strengthening HIV services for employees
3. Establishing an HIV workplace policy
4. Empowering employee resource groups
5. Partnering with a local HIV organization
6. Sharing your commitment to ending HIV externally

Sneak Peek: Establish an HIV workplace policy

Mark World AIDS Day by establishing a comprehensive workplace HIV policy that articulates your company’s commitment to: 

• Improving access to HIV testing, prevention, treatment, and care. 
• Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination.
• Engaging your workforce in HIV education and outreach. 

Check out our “Writing a Workplace HIV Policy” resource, with a comprehensive checklist and a sample template to help you draft a policy that’s right for your company. In the employer guide, you’ll also find legal tips and a case study from Chevron.

How Businesses Observe World AIDS Day 

Not sure where to start? Get inspiration from these companies on how to honor World AIDS Day on December 1.

Accenture provides comprehensive HIV services, including free PrEP for every employee who needs it. “PrEP is so effective in preventing transmission of the virus that it allows our people to stay healthy if their partner(s) are HIV-positive — a great example of an action that is both good for our people and good for our business,” said Dr. Tam Brownlee, Chief Health Officer at Accenture.

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Chevron was the first oil and gas company to institute a comprehensive global HIV/AIDS policy for employees. The policy includes confidential access to HIV testing and treatment for employees and their dependents, peer-to-peer counseling, quarterly health education events, access to treatment, and partnership with HIV-focused organizations.

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ViiV Healthcare previously brought together its employee resource groups for a virtual, intersectional event designed to elevate awareness of HIV in the U.S. and highlight businesses' critical role in addressing the epidemic. This initiative provides valuable education on HIV while fostering stronger connections among diverse communities within ViiV Healthcare.

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Join U.S. Business Action to End HIV

Consider joining the U.S. Business Action to End HIV, a coalition of companies united by their commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in the U.S. The private sector is bringing new expertise and momentum to the movement. We offer free tools, resources, and events to help employers educate workers, fight stigma, improve access to HIV prevention and treatment services, and build connections to the communities that need it most. Join today.

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