The business sector has been urged to provide fair wages and a workplace policy for its employees and their families to help prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS.
Addressing the Fiji-Australia Business Council in Nadi yesterday, Steven Vete of UNAIDS said the most effective way to prevent the spread of HIV was to protect the basic human rights of marginalised groups in societies.
"The challenge is to work in partnership to improve the quality of life of your staff and their families and help to develop a program for Pacific small and medium enterprises," Mr Vete said.
He said this included the right to food, shelter, clean running water, health care including medicines, information and services.
It also includes living in dignity regardless of race, gender and sexual orientation.
Mr Vete said the business sector could advocate for an increased response.
One way to help would be for employers to invite HIV-positive people to talk with their workers as well as encourage testing.
Such initiatives, he said, would not only save the workers but the workplace as well.
Employers could also sponsor community outreach programs like sports.
Mr Vete said workplaces that had global operations would be likely to have an HIV infected workforce.
"Doing something about it will save lives as well as money," he said.
The meeting, which has the theme, 'Business Driving the way Forward', began yesterday and ends today. Its focus is on real opportunities for economic growth.
