When the global recession began, those providing treatment and prevention for HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria were told to be more efficient, to do more with less.

The Chevron official said it’s important for programs to be innovative.

“Programs like our workplace wellness program, train the trainer programs – these are not high cost programs. But they do require boots on the ground. You have to do more than write a check. You have to mobilize and activate the kind of human capital in communities where we operate. That’s why we tend to focus our social investments in communities where we have a presence. We have very talented medical professionals that run our own health clinics for our employees that are actively involved in helping to partner with local organizations to build capacity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has formed a partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to provide antiretroviral treatment in developing countries. Coke is also working with RED, a campaign to raise money for health programs through the sale of certain brand name items. It’s estimated the campaign has raised nearly $200 million for global fund programs in Africa.