Abbott receives GBC recognition for HIV/Aids efforts

Abbott has announced that it has been honoured with an award for business excellence on tackling HIV and Aids through national action from the Global Business Coalition on HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GBC).

This accolade has been awarded in recognition of the company’s $50 million (25 million pound) seven-year public-private healthcare partnership with the government in Tanzania which has improved the healthcare system in the country.

Abbott and Abbott Fund have worked to help meet the needs of sufferers of HIV and other chronic conditions through the training of healthcare workers in Tanzania. The company has introduced over 90 healthcare centres into the country and widened access to HIV services, including testing and counselling.

Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, president of the GBC, said: “Abbott and Abbott Fund have set new standards in the corporate fight against HIV/Aids and their important work to improve the healthcare system in Tanzania will serve as a superlative model for other businesses around the world to follow.”

He added that the role of private enterprise in tackling epidemics is vital, with Abbott showing the potential of this sector in making a positive change in these areas.

Last month, Abbott reported that locating its new Abbott Fund office in Dar es Salaam will give the firm a better understanding of the impact of HIV on Tanzania’s healthcare system.