The private sector has frequently displayed a commitment to address HIV/AIDS issues in the workplace. Information, technical assistance and funding to assist in these efforts are also available. However, these resources are not always easily accessible to the private sector.
In order to provide CCA members with the tools and strategies necessary to develop and implement effective HIV/AIDS workplace programs, the CCA HIV/AIDS Initiative strives to develop partnerships with technical assistance providers, international donor organizations and resource dissemination providers. The Initiative acts as a facilitator, linking private sector companies with these resources.
A recent example of that facilitation occurred between a CCA member representing the oil exploration and development sector and CCA HIV Initiative partners. The result of two days in Washington D.C. with senior corporate managers from our member’s Africa office was the establishment of several key partnerships between the private sector member and appropriate donor, technical assistance and support partners. The member also benefited from two days of careful review, by key HIV/AIDS experts, of their strategic approach to HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment for their employees and associated communities.
The CCA HIV/AIDS Initiative facilitated this series of meetings, including the identification of key stakeholders and the arrangement for bringing strategic partners together. These partnerships will assist our member in expanding HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment programs into the community from which the company draws its workers and help to establish synergistic relationships with public sector programs.
Technical Assistance Providers
There are many domestic and international organizations that provide technical support and guidance to the government, the community and the private sector as they work to develop and implement HIV/AIDS education programs, HIV workplace policies, Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers and treatment facilities. These organizations work on the ground in Africa and in other developing countries and therefore have the experience, knowledge and tools to effectively develop these types of programs.
The CCA HIV/AIDS Initiative has formed several partnerships with technical assistance providers. CCA can assess a corporate member’s technical assistance needs and then match that member with the organization that best fits those needs. The organization and the company then work together directly to accomplish the development of HIV/AIDS based programs in whatever capacity needed.
International Donor Organizations
Some businesses have assessed their needs, identified a technical assistance provider that can help them fulfill their needs, but experience a lack of funding. To assist members in these situations, the HIV/AIDS Initiative has developed several partnerships with international donors including USAID, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Bank Multi-Country HIV/AIDS Program (MAP). These donor organizations have received funds from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in Africa (PEPFAR) and have the funding available for government, community and private sector led initiatives in PEPFAR countries.
All too often, private sector companies don’t realize they too can apply for funds through these agencies. CCA works to inform its members of these funding opportunities that exist and assist members through the application process. Please see page 7 for funding opportunities through the MAP.
Resource Dissemination Providers
The Initiative has also developed a special partnership with AllAfrica Global Media, a multi-media content service provider, systems technology developer and the largest electronic distributor of African news and information worldwide. Their website, AllAfrica.com, serves to disseminate news regarding Africa to the continent and to the rest of the world. In the near future, AllAfrica.com will launch HealthAfrica.org, a web page focused on health issues in Africa. CCA and AllAfrica.com/HealthAfrica.org have agreed to work together to provide enhanced computer-based access to an informational database for the provision of resource materials including policies templates, curricula and educational materials for HIV/AIDS workplace programs in Africa.
Other resources will include access to information and technical assistance regarding HIV/AIDS workplace policies and programs for Africa. CCA will be responsible for collecting the information to be posted on the website, and AllAfrica.com/HealthAfrica.org will be responsible for disseminating that information.
The ultimate goal of the CCA Gates Foundation grant is to ensure that every CCA member has HIV/AIDS workplace policies and programs in place. Providing CCA members direct access to technical assistance providers, donor agencies and other resources through the development of partnerships is a key step in accomplishing this goal.
