Many businesses have corporate responsibility programs around disease prevention (particularly those in the pharmaceutical industry), and they often choose to concentrate their efforts on fighting one or two particular diseases or conditions. Some common diseases which businesses combat using their insight and resources include:
- HIV/AIDS
- Malaria
- Tuberculosis
- Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
- Sickle cell diseases
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart disease or stroke
- Immunization (encouraging it in developing economies)
Why does business engage this issue?
Disease affects their people. As global workforces become the norm, many companies have changed their employee policies to reflect the health realities on the ground. Particularly in countries with high rates of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, companies need to have specific plans to help their employees deal with long-term health issues, no less so than any other workforce health issue.
Companies have the power to make a difference. When it comes to things like supply chain management or purchasing power, companies often have the opportunity to perform on a wider scale than the civil or non-profit sector. Recognizing this, companies have dedicated tremendous amounts of resources, people and time to fighting communicable and non-communicable diseases, and improving the lives of people around the world.