Fiji joins Asia Pacific Business Coalition on AIDS

Fiji joins Asia Pacific Business Coalition on AIDS

Fiji has become the 10th member to join the association of the Asia Pacific Business Coalition on Aids.

The historic signing of a partnership agreement this morning heralded the new initiative to involve the private sector in the fight against the spread of HIV in Fiji.

The signing was held at the Fiji Islands Trades and Investment Bureau and involved Australia's HIV ambassador, Mr Murray Proctor, and the President of the Fiji-Australia Business Council, Mrs Caz Tebbutt Dennis.

"These agreements represent historic milestones in the continued fight against HIV and AIDS in Fiji," said FABC President Mrs Dennis.

Also present was Mr Steven Vete, who is the Asia Pacific Leadership Forum on HIV and Development (APLF) Sub regional Coordinator of UNAIDS.

With evidence worldwide that HIV and AIDS has an impact on the labour force and its productivity, Mr Vete said to involve the private sector through the Fiji Business Coalition was an important programme, which target those in the workforce and in turn helps to improve their welfare and those of their families .

"They can learn a lot about issues such as HIV and AIDS, and pass the knowledge on to their families and communities, Mr Vete said.

UNAIDS is working in collaboration with the Training Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF) to design courses to offer businesses which have an onus to implement HIV-work place programmes as stipulated in the Employment Relation Promulgation.

ENDS

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