The Business Response to HIV/AIDS: Impact and lesson learned

Key lesson: Long-term commitment to workforce awareness
* Business description:
Larsen & Toubro, founded in 1938, is one of the top private sector companies in India, with net profits for 1998-99 at Rs.
4,710 million (approx. $US 105 million). The company is engaged in engineering and construction, cement, electricals and
electronics and construction equipment, with manufacturing facilities in 20 locations throughout India. Larsen & Toubro
makes a commitment to the wellbeing of its employees and to the local communities, providing social and economic
assistance programmes.

" Number of employees:
* Contact:
0 Tel:
* Fax:
" Email:

26,000
Rupam Nangia
Senior Executive - Employee Welfare
Larsen & Toubro Limited
Powai Works
Saki Vihar Road
PO Box 8901
Mumbai 400 072
India
[phone]
[phone]
[email protected]

1. Motivation for action
Larsen & Toubro recognised that HIV/AIDS placed the
private sector in a vulnerable position as a result of the
high level of incidence of HIV in the age group 18-35,
placing at risk the most productive section of their human
resources. In addition, by recognising that the combination
of the absence of good quality medical facilities available to
most people in India and the lack of any cure, prevention
was the principal way for them to assist in containing the
spread of HIV/AIDS. Importantly, they sought to achieve this
through extensive education programmes and by
attempting to remove the prejudice, myths and social
stigma around HIV/AIDS and those living with HIV/AIDS and
their families. Essentially, the principal aims were to
prevent an epidemic, ensure a healthy workforce, maintain
productivity and morale and fulfil the company's social
responsibility.
2. Business response to HIV/AIDS
Larsen and Toubro have a long history of responding to
HIV/AIDS, dating back to 1985 when they first launched an
awareness-raising programme. The commitment has
remained to the current day with a diverse range of
programmes undertaken, including the following:

* Awareness-raising programme: Initially involving the
training of trainers, held in English and the local
language, in order to give them the knowledge, skills
and sensitivity to conduct HIV/AIDS awareness
programmes. Over the years the programme has
involved 85 trainers and social workers on over 200
training programmes and covered approximately 10,000
employees, 4,500 members of employees, families and
1,500 local school children. A particular focus has been
made on youth, including the apprentice trainees, new
graduate trainees, the employees' children and local
municipal schools and slum communities. These
programmes are ongoing, becoming an integral part of
the company training schedule.
* Supporting people living with HIV/AIDS and
prevention of discrimination: Larsen & Toubro actively
promote non-discrimination of people living with
HIV/AIDS for hiring, promotion, transfer and training of
its employees. There is no mandatory testing at any
stage, pre- or post- employment. The company provides
counselling to people living with HIV/AIDS and is
engaged in partnerships with governmental
organisations and NGOs to ensure good practice and

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THE BUSINESS RESPONSE TO HIV/AIDS: Impact and lessons learned

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