December 2011
Despite the Caribbean’s economic success as a major tourist destination, few businesses are actively engaged in the region in public-private partnerships. USAID’s 4th Sector Health project, Strengthening Outcomes in the Private Sector (SHOPS) project, and GBCHealth plan to increase engagement of the business community in the Caribbean to focus on strategic health issues—particularly HIV/AIDS, which is second to Sub Saharan Africa in terms of HIV prevalence. To launch this joint activity, GBCHealth and SHOPS hosted a special session during the November 2011 Caribbean HIV/AIDS Conference to highlight the need for greater action and investment by the business community in HIV in the region. “Corporate social responsibility remains a nascent concept in the Caribbean” cited UNAIDS Regional Director Ernest Messiah. Business presence in the Caribbean remains dominated by the tourism sector, as well as small and medium enterprises. However, some multinational companies, such as Scotiabank have led the way with HIV workplace programs and anti-discrimination policies, and these companies can lead industries in adopting HIV and wellness programs. 4th Sector Health and GBCHealth plan to convene additional opportunities to engage business interest in mobilizing resources for HIV in the Caribbean.
To be a part of this or for more information, please contact: Sancia Dalley sdalley@gbchealth.org.
Photo: Dr. Ernest Messiah. Credit: Steve Shapiro