Phase 1 interim report on what works in HIV and AIDS and the World of Work Initiatives in South Africa

It is well known that the Southern Africa region is worst hit by the HIV and AIDS epidemic and that South Africa's estimated at 6.4 million people living with HIV is the largest in the world (Shisana et al 2014). Of greatest concern is that 18.8% South Africa's economically-active population aged 24-49 years is HIV positive (Shisana et al., 2014), implying that HIV and AIDS remains a real problem affecting workers and business operations in South Africa. This makes HIV and AIDS in the workplace a huge priority. The negative impact of HIV and AIDS on workplace operations and eventually the economy is well documented. Workplaces are compelled to implement interventions to address HIV and AIDS in order to ensure their viability and sustainability.The findings of this study support the design and delivery of workplace HIV responses to prevent HIV transmission, increase access to HIV services and safeguard the health and fundamental labour rights of working women and men in South Africa. This study is one of the many large-scale, applied, responsive, policy-relevant and development-focused research studies that the HSRC conducts.