World AIDS Day Highlights Role that Employers Play in Ending HIV

Today is World AIDS Day, an opportunity to commemorate the more than 32 million people who have died from AIDS and recommit to bold actions that will help our country – and the world – get closer to ending the HIV epidemic.

There are still nearly 35,000 new cases of HIV in the United States each year – far too many, given that prevention and treatment tools exist that can bring that number to zero. One year ago, the Health Action Alliance launched U.S. Business Action to End HIV, a coalition of 40 companies to help achieve what was once thought impossible – the end of the HIV epidemic in the US by 2030.

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We sat down with Tracy Watts, Senior Partner and US Leader for Healthcare Policy at Mercer, to discuss the initiative and provide a checklist of five practical actions for employers. Read more.

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Yesterday, on the eve of World AIDS Day, HAA convened representatives from the Coalition’s 40 member companies in Washington, D.C. to share the significant progress they’ve made to help address the nation’s HIV epidemic and drive further action across the private sector.

“The momentum behind this team effort is inspiring, and the work is making a difference. We are honored to do our part,” said Kevin Host, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Operations at Walmart.

At the convening and reception, which was attended by senior White House officials, leaders from CDC and HHS, and former NIH Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, executives from the 40 member companies highlighted the actions they’ve taken over the past year and announced the commitments they are making for the year ahead. Each of these companies is breaking new ground and demonstrating that corporate responsibility extends far beyond profits—it's about purpose and making a tangible difference in the lives of millions.

“I am confident that the actions taken, and the future commitments by these partners and others in the community, will lead us further toward reaching our collective goal of ending HIV in the U.S.,” said Harold Phillips, Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, who spoke at the event.

Read the full story here.

DOWNLOAD OUR TOOLS

World AIDS Day - A Toolkit for Employers  Download now
Honor World AIDS Day with our toolkit designed specifically for employers. Discover six impactful actions your workplace can take to raise awareness, combat stigma, and create a supportive environment.

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Ending the HIV Epidemic - A Guide for Employers  Download now
Employers can accelerate progress toward ending HIV in the U.S. This guide is designed to help you get started.

TAKE ACTION

Join our movement to end HIV. If you’d like to learn more about how your company can get involved, we’d love to hear from you. LEARN MORE

“Joining HAA’s U.S. Business Action to End HIV coalition has reinforced our unwavering commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS and allowed us to expand our network of companies and nonprofits that are also in the struggle,” said Jennifer Lynch, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Internal Communications at Paramount Pictures.