In 2001 Dr. Brian Brink, Senior Vice President of Anglo American, a massive South African mining conglomerate, was debating how to confront the ravages that extremely high HIV/AIDS rates were taking on Anglo's workforce and overall productivity. According to the firm's best estimates, 21 percent of Anglo American's workforce was HIV-positive in 2001. Specifically Dr. Brink was debating the merits of adding a potentially costly antiretroviral component to the existing HIV/AIDS program. The case looks at the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on the Anglo workforce; examines the strategic, cost/benefit, and corporate social responsibility issues involved in offering the antiretroviral drug program to workers; contrasts Anglo's programs with its key competitors; and considers the financial, implementation, and political challenges involved in launching the antiretroviral program. Case B is set in 2003 and provides an update of how the program has fared since it was initially announced.
