Document 3202
 DOCN  M94A3202
 TI    Measuring the impact of HIV/AIDS on Africa's commercial sector.
 DT    9412
 AU    Forsythe S; Roberts M; Wongombe J; Gakuru O; AIDSCAP/FHI, Arlington, VA.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):13 (abstract no. 026D). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369373
 AB    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this assessment was to determine how the
       commercial sector in Africa is currently being affected by HIV/AIDS and
       to project how this impact may change over time. This analysis was
       performed in order to create greater awareness among business managers
       and policymakers within the commercial sector regarding the potential
       financial benefits of HIV/AIDS prevention interventions in the
       workplace. METHODOLOGY: Interviews were conducted at eight businesses in
       Kenya to determine the costs of various employee programs and benefits.
       The focus of the interviews was to identify how revenues and
       expenditures at the workplace might be affected by HIV/AIDS. RESULTS: A
       preliminary analysis of a Kenyan transportation business indicated that
       a 6 percent HIV prevalence in the workplace would result in the loss of
       profits equal to almost 2 million Shillings per year. In the best case
       scenario, it was projected that this cost would rise to 3 million
       shillings per year by the year 2000. This cost equates to a 2 percent
       decline in profitability for the company in 1994, and a 3 percent
       decline in profitability by the year 2000. It was projected that the
       greatest decline in profitability would occur as a result of absenteeism
       (59%), additional training costs (12%), lost productivity due to funeral
       attendance (12%), and burial fees (6%). CONCLUSIONS: AIDS is already
       imposing a substantial burden on African companies whose workers are
       affected by HIV and AIDS. Declines in revenues and increased
       expenditures that result from AIDS-related illness within the workforce
       will further impede the ability of African countries to develop
       successful industries. If workplace HIV prevention programs can achieve
       minimal effectiveness in preventing HIV, the cost of such programs are
       likely to be substantially less than the costs incurred by workplace
       illness.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*ECONOMICS/PREVENTION &  CONTROL
       *Commerce  Costs and Cost Analysis  Employer Health Costs  Health
       Benefit Plans, Employee/*ECONOMICS  Health Expenditures  Human  HIV
       Infections/*ECONOMICS/PREVENTION & CONTROL  Kenya  Occupational Health
       Services  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).