With the understanding that ending stigma is fundamental to winning the fight against HIV/AIDS, 100 CEOs from Global Business Coalition member companies have come together to strike a blow against discrimination and stigma by signing the Coalition’s HIV/AIDS nondiscriminatory pledge. Among the CEO’s who stood up to be counted is Mr. Vimal B. Shah, CEO of Bidco Oil Refineries Ltd. These CEOs are sending a powerful signal to employees and their families, communities and stakeholders that their companies care and are doing their part to end stigma around HIV/AIDS. CEO leadership through the pledge is also sending a message to the public health community that we’re in this fight together.

Fear of discrimination and stigmatization by peers impedes individuals from getting tested for HIV and seeking treatment. The perceived stakes can be particularly high in the workplace, where there is the added fear of losing one’s job. When companies take a stand against HIV-status stigma in the workplace, they form an influential front line.  They play a critical leadership role in shifting public opinion and mobilizing communities and nations to band together in the fight

It’s one way that, working as a Coalition, we can play a more effective role in advancing the drive to defeat AIDS than any one company can do individually

.

A PLEDGE TO END HIV DISCRIMINATION AND STIGMA

World AIDS Day, December 1st, 2008

As a member of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, my company is committed to fight HIV/AIDS discrimination and stigma in our workplace.

We pledge that our hiring, promotion and retention decisions will not be influenced by an individual’s actual or perceived HIV status.

We pledge to take prompt and meaningful action to improve our performance should we determine it falls short of these goals.

Recognizing the power of leadership by example, we pledge to use every opportunity to encourage other business leaders to make the same commitment.