HIV 'afflicting global workforce'

[TechBear_Seattle]

HIV 'afflicting global workforce'

HIV/Aids is having a crippling effect on the workforce of many countries, a report by the International Labour Organization for World Aids Day says.

The ILO said HIV/Aids killed almost 3.5 million people of working age in 2005.

In addition, more than a million jobs are lost each year to the disease, the bulk of them in sub-Saharan Africa.

In a speech to mark World Aids Day, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said more must be done to encourage frank and open discussion of HIV/Aids.

All politicians must consider themselves personally accountable for stopping the spread of the disease, Mr Annan said, as must every individual.

The article continues at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6197074.stm