7th International AIDS Conference Florence, Italy — June 16-21, 1991

Int Conf AIDS 1991 Jun 16-21; 7:448 (abstract no. W.D.4241)
Jackson H, Pitts MK; School of Social Work, Harare, Zimbabwe

OBJECTIVE: To examine to what extent companies in Zimbabwe are concerned about AIDS and the orientation of any policy they may be adopting. This is in the context of a widespread epidemic in which the workplace could play a leading preventive and supportive role.

METHOD: All 159 delegates from 110 companies attending a one day national seminar on AIDS were given a questionnaire to complete at the start of the day detailing company concerns, current policy and policy proposals regarding AIDS. The companies represented a wide cross section of the commercial sector of Zimbabwe. Delegates were middle-senior management, staff in policy making positions.

RESULTS: The response rate was 80.5% of delegates representing a 85.5% of companies present. Whilst only one third reported having a developed policy on AIDS, all expressed concern. Major concerns included recruitment of skilled labour, rising insurance, health and pension costs, time and productivity loss, and lowered morale. 61% have begun education campaigns on AIDS, 22% have some form of pre-employment or current employee screening for HIV in place, and 41% of respondents consider that pre-employment screening is justified.

CONCLUSION: Companies' growing concerns about AIDS need urgently to be addressed to promote supportive policies and avoid discriminatory measures. Education is vital for all levels of employee, including senior management and workers organisations. A national legal framework must be established against discrimination, and to ensure equitable sharing of the costs of AIDS, whilst maximising prevention efforts.

Copyright © 1991 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.