14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain — July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12;14:Abstract No. MoOrB1096

BACKGROUND: To assess the socioeconomic impact of HIV infection on a private company of Abidjan and to demonstrate interest of providing care and ARVs to HIV(+) employees.

METHODS: The study was conducted in a private company of 3500 employees with the approval of the management team, and informed consent was requested from each participant. We analyzed social (absenteeism, employees replacement) and economic (low productivity, cost of care, replacements and funerals) impact of HIV infection. For two time-periods (1998 to 1999 vs 1999 to 2000), we compared direct and indirect costs for offering care and ARV to HIV (+) employees.

RESULTS: Main effects were absenteeism, employees redeployment to other positions, and social impact (fear, funerals). Economic effects included low productivity, and increased number of medical consultations and hospitalizations. The average cost for treatment of opportunistic infections was about US $15,385 per patient. Additional costs included solidarity funds (US $26,154) and funeral expenses (US $107,692). A coping strategy elaborated by the management team in collaboration with employees union included a solidarity fund for ARV, and promotion of voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT). From 1998-1999 to 1999-2000, costs for caring for HIV(+) employees decreased from US $338,462 to US $153,846, and opportunity costs from US $1,539,077 to US $61,538. We also observed a 10-time reduction in absenteeism.

CONCLUSIONS: Company-level strategy including workplace-based prevention activities, VCT, and provision of care and ARVs has significantly decreased the company health and social expenditures.

Presenting author: S P Eholie

1Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, BP v 3 Chu Treichville, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

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MoOrB1096

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