African business coalitions formalise organisation against HIV/AIDS

The spread of HIV/AIDS knows no borders. In recognition of this, African business coalitions have created the Pan African Business Coalition (PABC) on HIV/AIDS, which aims to facilitate information sharing and knowledge management on issues around HIV/AIDS on the continent. Member coalitions along with other key partners will meet in Johannesburg on the 21-22 May for the PABC Conference.

Business coalitions were formed in several countries across the continent with the view to facilitate co-operation between civil society and the private sector in the fight against HIV/AIDS, as well as other infections such as TB and malaria, recognising that the private sector has an important role to play in working with governments to fight these diseases.

One such example is the South African Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (“SABCOHA”) which was established in May 2001 with the core objective of co-ordinating the South African business sector in the development of strategies for high-level advocacy and leadership.

The 2008 conference also brings together key players in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, such as the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria (GBC), national Aids commissions and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ). The expected attendance of a number of African chief executive officers (CEOs) and senior management of the various member coalitions will further establish the PABC as a Pan-African organization.

Brad Mears, Chairman PABC says, “The formation of the PABC is part of a worldwide trend towards greater involvement of the private sector through business coalitions in fighting epidemics and pandemics,” he/she says. “With the PABC formally established, we look forward to extending the membership of the organization across the continent. By standing together, we will be able to achieve so much more.”

Standard Bank a founder member of SABCOHA, which operates in 18 African countries, is also a member of the GBC and the lead sponsor of the conference. The bank aims to play an active role in encouraging the collaboration of the private sector in fighting these diseases on the continent

Clive Tasker, Chief Executive Officer: Standard Bank Africa says, “We are proud be part of this collaborative effort on the continent. We are confident that, by standing together and maximising our collective resources, Africa's private business sector can reach across the continent and make a measurable difference to its physical and economic health.”

The PABC was launched in December 2005 with the aim of mobilising African business in the fight against HIV/AIDS (SABCOHA is currently the acting chair of the PABC). The PABC represents a hub of experience and knowledge on which its members can draw to implement country-specific actions regarding HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria across the continent with a view to increase membership to include all regions.

The PABC's primary objective, is to mobilise and co-ordinate country coalitions to take effective action on HIV/AIDS by expanding on or initiating new, but sustainable, responses to the pandemic. Active support and sponsorship has already been provided to the PABC and its member coalitions from the GTZ, the World Bank, World Economic Forum's Global Health Initiative, UNAIDS, and others. Informal discussions have also been held with NEPAD representatives with a view to obtaining formal recognition of the PABC which, in turn, will facilitate engagement with potential funders, stimulate support from the GBC, and encourage multi-sectoral and multi-country partnerships dedicated to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and limiting the economic impact of the same.