Assessing the organisational costs of HIV/AIDS on NGOs in Malawi: results from a pilot study

Objectives To assess the social and economic costs of HIV/AIDS infection on the organisational capacities of selected non‐government organisations (NGOs) in Malawi.

Methods Sixteen semi‐structured interviews with senior staff of four NGOs to estimate the costs paid by the NGO and the loss of management and staff time over the last 12 months because of HIV/AIDS, plus questionnaires filled in by 48 NGO leaders.

Results Labour costs were an estimated 12.5% higher because of HIV/AIDS, corresponding to a 3% increase in overall budget costs. There was also an estimated 12.4% loss of staff time to address HIV‐related issues such as funerals, sickness and management time.

Conclusions The organisational costs of HIV/AIDS on NGOs in Malawi may be considerable and more serious than perceived by NGOs, who must develop a workplace response. It also has policy implications for donors, who may need to adjust their funding strategies.