Praxis Note 23. HIV/AIDS in South East Asia The impact on organisations and their development

No-one really knows the impact of HIV/AIDS on organisations in South East Asia. The majority of research has been undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV in Asia, however, has significantly lower infection rates and different modes of transmission. This means the impact of HIV/AIDS on organisations is likely to be lower. But by how much? And for how long? Infection rates in many parts of South East Asia are rising and absolute numbers are high. It is possible that should HIV infection reach a critical mass or the disease mutate, Asian organisations could face a similar crisis to African ones.

This Praxis Note outlines the current situation in South East Asia and provides an overview of how business, government and non-government organisations (NGOs) are responding to HIV/AIDS in the workplace. The note highlights future organisational challenges in the region and suggests ways to develop a level of organisational resilience. It is hoped that this contribution provides another small piece in the global jigsaw on how people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can be supported to become full and equal members of society, including taking their rightful place in helping organisations develop to their full potential.