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Businesses hold the key to limiting the effect of HIV/AIDS in the Asia Pacific (repeats previous sentence) Organisations running programs in prevention, awareness, medical facilities and counselling will take a leading role in protecting regional economies from the impact of HIV/AIDS and in creating vibrant, sustainable communities.

APBCA's workplace programs are based around the following core values:

Awareness/Education
Being aware doesn't help change stigma or discrimination. In the workplace, employees may experience HIV-related stigma (real or perceived) from their colleagues and supervisors. Common forms of stigma include social isolation and ridicule and discriminatory practices, such as being fired or being denied opportunities for promotion.

HIV-related stigma can also be a barrier to successful workplace HIV programs. The fear of negative reactions from colleagues and employers may discourage workers from undergoing voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and seeking available prevention and care services. Businesses can play a major role in ending this stigma.

Co-operation: leveraging core competencies
Businesses are often in a position to facilitate the supply of basic and essential items such as condoms and test kits through existing distribution networks. APBCA helps member businesses harness private expertise and skills to strengthen essential infrastructure and training in the delivery of routine testing and counselling.

Testing and treatment
The private sector has proven that company infrastructure can be expanded to include HIV testing, counselling and care services. Where infrastructure is limited, employees of APBCA member companies will be referred to quality testing and treatment services and facilities.

Education, prevention and behaviour change
APBCA focuses on empowering employees to evaluate and change their behaviour through education. APBCA's high quality, evidence-based workplace HIV prevention and behaviour change programs are based on international best practice principles.

Care and support
The number of people living with HIV/AIDS who need care and support services is constantly increasing. APBCA assists businesses to provide employees, and their dependants, with increased access to care and support initiatives. These include: accurate and up to date information, male and female condoms, STI diagnosis and treatment, flexible working arrangements, access to appropriate medical care and treatment, and up-to -date information on employee benefits.