Merck has been working in the Caribbean to spur a broader private sector response to HIV and AIDS. Merck recently awarded a grant to the AIDS Responsibility Project, which, in conjunction with the Constella Futures Group, supports the creation of a national business council on HIV and AIDS in Jamaica. The project aims to reduce stigma and discrimination in the workplace and to mobilize companies to formulate specific workplace policies on HIV and AIDS, with the goal of increasing disease awareness and prevention efforts, care, counseling, testing and, if needed, treatment.