5 Things employers can do to end HIV 

Two years ago, Mercer joined the Health Action Alliance in their Business Action to End HIV by 2030 initiative. World AIDS Day is a good time to reflect on the progress that has been made. Last year, we launched this video to raise awareness among our clients and blog community. While the rate of new HIV cases has been on the decline, we are a long way from the goal of reducing the number people testing positive for the first time from 30,000 annually to 3,000 by 2030.  

Employer support is essential. In our conversations with employers over the past year about the work needed to end HIV, we’ve learned that there’s a lack of understanding about HIV in general and, more specifically, who is impacted by it. In this video, we share some important statistics that help explain why all employers should be aware of the extent to which HIV affects the US workforce. 

If HIV is not already on your benefits strategy road map, here are five things you can do to help our nation move closer to the goal of ending HIV. 

1. Be informed. People with HIV in ongoing care and treatment can live long, healthy lives and prevent the spread of the virus to others. Medicines for people without HIV, called PrEP, can reduce a person's chance of getting HIV when taken as prescribed. Reviewing your workforce demographics and your pharmacy data will help you determine if your population needs HIV support.  
2. Provide comprehensive health insurance and benefits coverage. Companies can ensure that health insurance coverage supports HIV detection, prevention, treatment, and care. Make it easier for workers with HIV to access and adhere to treatment with reasonable accommodations.  
3. Promote testing. Getting tested for HIV and making it part of a healthcare routine is an important step in protecting oneself and others. For workers who prefer to self-test at home, Together TakeMeHome provides up to two free HIV self-tests every 90 days to anyone in the U.S. ages 17 or older. Encourage employees to request a test for themselves and a friend. 
4. Address stigma and discrimination in the workplace. Tell your employees you care about HIV. Reinforce your commitment to ending HIV with a written Workplace HIV Policy and train managers and employees. Consider requiring your vendors to have an HIV non-discrimination policy and programs to educate their workers. Consider joining networks to further inclusion and non-discrimination in the workplace. Fear and misinformation about HIV create stigma, harms the mental and physical well-being of people living with HIV, and discourages some people from getting tested and accessing PrEP and other prevention services. 
5. Just get started. Leverage existing national HIV Awareness Days and campaigns when your employees will see the message reinforced in their communities, on the news and in social media. As an example, June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. Engage leaders and champions across your organization.  

If you are interested in learning more and need help getting started, reach out to your favorite Mercer consultant. We would also be pleased to have you join us on Business Action to End HIV. You can sign up for their newsletter here and join the coalition using this form. Working together we can do this!