 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Botswana |
|
|
The status of the epidemic
In the twenty years since the first case of AIDS in the country was diagnosed, the virus has spread through the population at an astonishing rate. According to the most recent estimates, about a third of Botswana's 1.7 million people are HIV-positive, and hardest hit are young adults, the segment of the population most responsible for the country's productive and reproductive well-being. The most recent UNDP Human Development Report on Botswana suggests that by 2010 the average life expectancy may drop as low as 29 years if the HIV/AIDS situation is left unchecked.
An epidemic of such proportions has the potential to undermine every facet of life in Botswana. National productivity has decreased, the government's ability to deliver essential services and sustain human development has been weakened, and efforts to promote foreign investment, diversify the economy, and create employment are in jeopardy. Most distressingly, an estimated 42,000 children have already been orphaned because of HIV/AIDS. Without a coordinated and sustained comprehensive intervention, the situation will only deteriorate.
How did an epidemic of such alarming proportions develop? Factors exacerbating the spread of HIV/AIDS in Botswana include alcohol abuse, poverty, the high prevalence of specific STIs, a high proportion of single parents, and widespread early parentage. Officials have also identified four key determinants: the low-social standing of women in Botswana society; societal fears of HIV/AIDS and the stigmatization of infected individuals; the mobility of Botswana's population; and Botswana's rapid urbanization, which has undermined traditional mechanisms for controlling social and sexual behavior and has exacerbated sexual exploitation of the poor. In combination, these determinants have led to a generalized epidemic and with 2 in 5 adults infected, Botswana has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world.
The private sector
With the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate occurring among Botswana's working age population (aged 15-49), the epidemic poses a serious threat to many individual companies as well as national economic growth. Absences due to ill-health, or death, death benefits and rehiring and retraining costs of employees can severely impact company productivity, and can lead to company collapse, especially in smaller businesses which have less flexibility and fewer financial reserves.
Because of this situation, many companies in Botswana have already begun developing HIV/AIDS policies for the workplace. These policies include prevention, treatment, and support for employees and their families. For the most part, however, initiatives have been undertaken by larger companies such as Debswana who have the financial and technical capacity to do so. The reality in Botswana, however, is that most people work for small and medium-sized enterprises, many of whom lack the financing and manpower to launch policies and programs of their own. The initiative is targeting these small and medium sized companies who guidance and support on HIV/AIDS issues.
The Secretariat’s leadership and guidance will come from the Botswana Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (BBCA), while the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM), which is the largest private sector association in Botswana, will house the unit and provide technical support and access to all its member companies.
Contact :
Wame Jallow
Coordinator of the Botswana Business Coalition
Mobile: + 26771322665
Email : wame@bbca.org.bw
To have more information, please see the BBCA website |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
