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Fiji’s business community has launched a Business Coalition Against HIV and AIDS (BAHA) to create awareness in the workplace against the disease.
Launching the 40-member coalition outside the Reserve Bank of Fiji building in Suva, BAHA chairman Caz Tebutt said HIV and AIDS had threatened the productivity, profitability and welfare of employees.
“BAHA’s campaign begins by supplying contraceptives to workplaces around Fiji so it is made available to their staff to encourage HIV protection,” Tebutt said during a press conference at the Reserve Bank.
Tebutt said the coalition was encouraging business organisations to ensure they had training resources because workplace HIV/AIDS policies and programs could play a vital in raising awareness about HIV, prevent HIV infection and help care for people living with HIV.
“We’re encouraging organisations to ensure that they have training resources to promote the prevention of HIV and also to ensure that there is no workplace discrimination.”
Fiji’s President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, who was chief guest at the launch also showed his support for the campaign.
“This is a symbol of hope for those with HIV and also a symbol of hope for those without HIV so it’s for everyone in Fiji,” Nailatikau said.
Tebutt also acknowledged the Reserve Bank for showing their support towards HIV prevention.
“I would like to thank the Reserve Bank for allowing us to go ahead with our campaign. They house the economic power in Fiji and it’s very symbolic; that’s why we’ve chosen this building for the launch.”
Workplaces around the world are wearing red today to mark World AIDS Day.
Tebutt said this was an opportune time for employers to talk to their staff about the prevention of this deadly and incurable disease.
