Private Sector Responses to HIV/AIDS: The Case of Debswana, Botswana’s Diamond Company

Engaging the private sector in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment is increasingly becoming a major focus for governments, advocates and public health practitioners. Nowhere has this public-private partnership been more successful than in Botswana. An early and innovative program by Debswana, the diamond mining giant and the country’s largest non-government employer, made it the first company to provide free anti-retroviral treatment to employees and their spouses. Bekezela Mbakile, director of the Debswana HIV/AIDS program spoke about the development and implementation for the HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs, including some early indications of the success and the challenges in providing treatment within the context of workplaces. She shared some key lessons learned that may help other private sector companies actively address HIV/AIDS among their employees and communities.