Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press; 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020 - Thursday, September 18, 1997; 3:24 a.m. EDT
Philip Waller, Associated Press Writer
While international companies are undertaking anti-AIDS campaigns inside their own work forces, they should expand their efforts to surrounding communities, said Sally Cowal, spokeswoman for UNAIDS.
An estimated 22.6 million adults and children worldwide are now living with HIV/AIDS, a study released Wednesday by UNAIDS said.
More than 3 million new cases were reported during 1996 and half the new infections affect people ages 16 to 24, it said.
"The latest data show the majority of AIDS cases occur before the age of 35, affecting people in their prime working years," said UNAIDS Executive Director Peter Piot.
South African President Nelson Mandela helped launch the UNAIDS program last February to encourage international business to combat AIDS and HIV, the virus that causes the disease.
In South Africa, the continent's economic powerhouse, it is estimated the AIDS epidemic will eventually strike one-quarter of the country's work force and reduce economic growth by 1 percent a year.
"We know that Kenya's gross domestic product will be 15 percent less than it would have been by the year 2005 had AIDS not taken a hold there," said Cowal.
The survey of leading companies carried out in 14 countries showed nearly three-quarters of the 203 firms who responded now have programs to help protect their employees against AIDS and HIV.
Copyright 1997/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
970918
AP970908
Copyright © 1997 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .