The world's only business organization devoted to fighting HIV/AIDS - which includes companies like the Chevron Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company, Dell, and the NBA - praised a new International Labour Organization recommendation to use factories, offices, and other workplaces as venues for HIV/AIDS prevention and access to treatment.  The Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria also said that more than 100 CEOs have pledged to take action to end HIV-related stigma in the workplace.

"Good businesses will welcome the ILO recommendation, as I do," said John Tedstrom, GBC's president and CEO.  "I welcome it, because it sets a clear standard for all companies and it will force change in outdated labor laws not just for the better but in a way that will save lives.  We've long emphasized effective workplace education, prevention, and anti-stigma programs.  Our members have successes in these areas, are constantly re-defining best practices and are ready to help those just getting started."

Workplace-based policies and programs are core to the work of the Coalition, which has over 200 member companies.  Members have pioneered comprehensive approaches that can be replicated by both for-profit and non-profit organizations.  The Coalition brings the private sector into the fight against disease, working in concert with governments, international agencies, and nongovernmental organizations.