Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia - November 13, 2007
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) analyzed conditions in Zambia, where 17 percent of adults have HIV and many large private-sector companies depend on migrant workers who are particularly vulnerable to the disease.
Its study, which looked at copper mining and agricultural firms, found that HIV "had an enormous impact on all companies among all ranges of skills," IOM spokeswoman Jemini Pandya said.
"By implementing a range of HIV programs for staff, the benefits far outweigh the costs, both human and financial," she told a Geneva news briefing.
HIV programs in the workplace -- including health care, testing and counseling -- gave employees a chance to combat discrimination and learn about prevention, the IOM found.
They also helped prevent absenteeism, employee turnover, and lost productivity, according to the study which assessed data from seven of the biggest companies in Zambia, employing between 350 and 10,000 people.
The typical company spent nearly $9,000 per employee lost to the disease, including funeral expenses and the costs having a supervisor train a successor. Six of the seven companies showed net benefits for their programs, amounting to an average of $47 per employee in the year 2006, according to the report.
The largest company saved nearly $500,000 in what would have been lost productivity from sick employees, Pandya said, adding: "The larger the company, the greater the benefits it derived."
The IOM reported a general belief among companies in Zambia that labor was "plentiful, cheap and always there," but warned this was extremely short-sighted.
###
edited by Laura MacInnis
071113
RE071113
Copyright © 2007 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .