Whats New
USAID/Angola hosts the first meeting of the Angolan Business Alliance in the fight against HIV/AIDS
On Thursday, October 26th 2006, USAID/Angola hosted the first Angolan Business Alliance against HIV/AIDS (or CEC, Comité Empresarial de Combate ao VIH/SIDA in Portuguese) meeting, attended by 18 individuals representing 24 member companies of the CEC. The Business Alliance is a newly formed private sector coalition founded by Odebrecht, USAID and the National HIV/AIDS Institute (INLS). The Business Alliance was launched in June of this year with the purpose of bringing together both national and international companies to exchange ideas and develop strategies in which to contribute in the fight against AIDS in the workplace.
The CEC will take advantage of the experience and energy that leading companies, such as BP, Coca-Cola, and Esso, have presented in addressing workplace HIV policies and corporate social responsibility generally. They will be able to share their insights and know-how to the discussion on lessons learned and best practices to enhance existing programs and provide guidance to those that wish to begin. It is hoped that this partnership will raise greater awareness to other companies on the effects that AIDS has or could have on their business operations.
This first meeting was of great significance in that it provided the occasion for the CEC to discuss aims and goals for the Alliance, create a Steering Committee (that has since then had its first meeting), and start organizing upcoming corporate events related to HIV/AIDS, including World AIDS Day in early December. The voluntary company members of the Steering Committee are Climed, Coca-Cola, Cosal, the English Club, Esso, INLS, Minea, Odebrecht, Rádio Nacional de Angola, Rádio Ecclésia, and USAID.
The Alliance will provide a forum for cooperation and is an ideal bridge between private and public responses to HIV/AIDS, the development of workplace policies, and company medical care and treatment. It will also ensure that companies just entering into the realm of HIV/AIDS programming have access to accurate and up-to-date information, as well as links to mentor-like programs. USAID plans to give the CEC support in the adaptation and dissemination of training and educational materials, and also offer its ability to draw on experiences from other countries and regions. USAID is providing vital contributions to creating a successful workforce awareness program by helping others develop workplace policies to protect employees, their families, and communities.
