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

achieved through clear explanations of what workplace
HIV/AIDS policy entails and how to go about creating
and initiating policies and programmes.
* The provision of practical tools such as examples of
successful workplace policies on HIV/AIDS adopted by
other hotels and a template question and answer
('commonly asked questions') sheet. The inclusion of
these tool serves as a useful mechanism for learning
from the experience of others within the industry.
* Advice on how to extend business responses beyond the
workplace and into local communities, such as
information provision, resource sharing and undertaking
partnerships with NGOs, public sectors and other
businesses.
* Information on organisations that can assist in the
development and implementation of HIV/AIDS policies
and programmes.
3. Results and lessons
IH&RA guidelines are an example of the kind of assistance
that can be provided to business to facilitate and speed up
the process of responses to HIV/AIDS. Providing information
and practical tools for specific business sectors or types is
essential as responses need to be adapted as close as
possible to the differing needs and activities of business.
In addition, given the level of access to the vast numbers of
businesses and the geographical spread of its members,
IH&RA and other similar business associations are in a
unique position to advocate and assist in the greater
response to HIV/AIDS through the provision of guidance
and information.

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