Ethiopian Business Coalition Against HIV/AIDS

Who we are

The Ethiopian Business Coalition Against HIV/AIDS was established in response to the high prevalence of HIV and Aids in the workplace. It is expected to help develop the private sector’s response strategy to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and give further impetus to the Federal Government efforts to combat the spread of the virus in the country. The purpose of this Strategic Guide is to provide a strategic framework for programming the national agenda of the EBCA.

Objectives

The objectives of the EBCA are:

Assist employers deal with individuals who have HIV/AIDS in the same manner as those with any other chronic or debilitating illness
Provide to employees information and education on HIV/AIDS, its magnitude, impact and preventive measures
Assist in the implementation of non-discriminatory policies, procedures and practices in managing individuals who have HIV/AIDS
Assist companies to assist those who have tested HIV negative to remain negative
Support employees infected with HIV/AIDS to remain productive for as long as possible
Assist companies to have clearly defined policies and procedures which will reflect local practices, procedures, culture and legislation
Join forces with other organizations to counter HIV/AIDS and alleviate its impact by sharing the results of our internal research and supporting their efforts where appropriate
To help achieve these objectives, the EBCA continues to expand the number of companies publicly committed to HIV/AIDS, through expanded membership of the EBCA.

Programs and Key Activities

The proposed program for the EBCA for the period 2005-2006may seem a wish list, at this stage, as there is no attempt made to estimate the voluntary contributions required to implement the program.

As indicated above the strategy of EBCA for the period 2005-2008 will be organized around five programs:

Program 1 - Business Impact Assessment (BIA)

Development of tools/methodology to undertake BIA;
Training – on use of BIA tools
Regular national business impact assessment surveys.

Program 2 – Work place intervention programs

Engage business in HIV/AIDS workplace programs;
Establish networks to support workplace and community programs.

Program 3 – Care and support to HIV/AIDS victims

Establish networks and partnerships to support care and support and community programs;
Improving care and support programs for employees and families living with HIV/