HIV/AIDS and business in Africa

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HIV/AIDS and business in Africa: A socio-medical response to the economic impact? The case of Côte d’Ivoire

MOST Discussion Paper No. 19

Documents 2 of 13

Using the findings of research carried out in 1995-1996 on the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on three firms in Abidjan, we look into companies’ reactions to the dysfunctions caused by the epidemic. The dysfunctions result in two main categories of costs: the observable and quantifiable costs, for the most part absenteeism on health grounds, the cost of medical care and falling productivity; and the less easily perceptible effects of the gradual disorganization of work. The complexity and diversity of the effects of HIV/AIDS on businesses raises the question of devising an appropriate strategic response. In this context, it would appear that the key variable is the turnover level, and that this, therefore, is where action should be taken. Such action may, for instance, be in the form of improved medical monitoring of employees in the workplace or participation by employers in employees’ health insurance. In our analysis such measures are not just socially sound, but make economic sense in that they would help check the deterioration in socialization and learning capacities and in working relations, skills and routines, i.e. the main conditions for productive work.

Also available in French.



Author(s)	Laurent Aventin and Pierre Huard
Website (URL)	http://www.unesco.org/most/ds19.htm

Publisher	UNESCO

Publication Year	2004

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