The costs and benefits of HIV workplace programmes in Zambia

Victoria Kelly and Deirdre Allison, July 2009

A ground-breaking study conducted in Zambia among companies from the mining and agriculture sectors in 2007 found that the overall financial benefits of running an HIV workplace programme outweighed programme costs by three times on average.

Although only a select group of companies was used as the basis for the research (seven companies ranging in size from 350 to 10,000 employees), the results showed clearly that in most cases workplace programmes save companies money over the medium and long term, help prevent infection, and provide physical and psychological benefits to employees, dependents and host communities.

This paper presents the findings of the 2007 study, explores its immediate practical repercussions and its potential, and draws lessons for policy makers and programme implementers.

The original study was conducted in 2007 by the Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Management Programme (CHAMP) and co-financed by the STARZ programme. STARZ was a DFID funded programme managed by an HLSP-led team.