View the Blueprint

Launched in May 2007, the Blueprint for Business Action on HIV/AIDS is a free, user-friendly tool developed with the support of Merck & Co., Inc. by a predominantly African editorial board for use by African companies of all sizes – small, medium and large – in designing and implementing comprehensive HIV/AIDS workplace programs. Available in French and English, the tool shows how prevention and treatment programs in the workplace are not only important contributions to the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, but also are sound business decisions.

Seven Modules of the Blueprint

The seven Blueprint modules are concise booklets that guide companies on the following topics:

• Partnerships: Examining the role and success factors of partnerships with civil society and public health professionals in developing and implementing a company’s HIV/AIDS workplace program
• Policy: Developing an HIV/AIDS workplace policy and a plan to put the policy in place
• Prevention: Organizing a cost-effective prevention program
• Voluntary Counseling and Testing: Understanding the importance of voluntary counseling and testing as a gateway to other interventions
• Treatment: Implementing an HIV/AIDS treatment program for employees and their dependents
• Care and Support: Considering access to care and support to employees and dependents affected by HIV/AIDS
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of an HIV/AIDS workplace program

BluePrint Textbook

A textbook included in the Blueprint introduces information on the following topics:

• Macroeconomic impact of HIV/AIDS
• Microeconomic impact of HIV/AIDS
• Rationale for comprehensive programs
• Seven modules to start the program

Economic Modeling Tool

The interactive economic modeling tool component of the Blueprint will enable businesses to determine the medical and economic impact of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS program on their operations over the ensuing 15 years. Using the tool, businesses will be able to determine the estimated total cumulative costs of HIV/AIDS to business in the following areas:

• Prevention
• Healthcare
• AIDS absenteeism
• AIDS deaths
• New hires

The modeling tool also demonstrates the costs/benefits of different approaches to managing HIV/AIDS, ranging from no program to a prevention program to a comprehensive program that includes prevention, treatment, care and support.

The Blueprint can be downloaded or ordered at no cost at www.hiv-msd.info/blueprint. The Web site includes a feedback mechanism allowing Blueprint users to share their experiences and recommend changes and suggestions. The editorial board will review feedback and make regular updates, creating a living and constantly evolving tool.