Malaria is one of the greatest threats to global health and economic welfare. Economists estimate that malaria costs endemic countries 1.3% of GDP annually in lost productivity. This translates to an annual loss of $12 billion for the entire African continent. A staggering 72% of businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa are affected by malaria, with over half of these firms reporting serious fiscal impact, reports the World Economic Forum. Affected companies report productivity losses, acute healthcare costs, increased death and burial expenses, and additional human resource expenses for hiring, employing and additional staff training. Malaria also depresses demand and consumer spending in emerging markets. But there is hope: workplace interventions enable companies to increase productivity, encourage market expansion, boost household spending, and change consumption patterns.

Workplace Programs Companies operating in malaria endemic and vulnerable regions have a unique opportunity to combat the disease by developing and implementing comprehensive workplace malaria programs. They can begin by conducting a situation analysis to verify the need for malaria interventions and help determine goals, targets, and monitoring and evaluation protocol. Comprehensive workplace malaria programs include a corporate malaria policy, education and training, case management (diagnosis and treatment), vector control, and monitoring and evaluation. Workplace malaria policies should recognize malaria as a workplace issue, ensure non-discrimination and confidentiality, provide for paid leave for confirmed malaria cases, offer access to services, and promote social dialogue. Education and training efforts may include an introduction to the company's malaria control program and policy, general malaria education, and technical training. Effective case management may include microscopic diagnosis, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), intermittent presumptive treatment, specific anti-malarial treatment, adjunctive therapy and supportive care. For vector control, the World Health Organization recommends Integrated Vector Management (IVM), a systematic approach based on evidence and knowledge of the local situation. The principal methods of vector control are indoor residual spraying (IRS), distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and, in some cases, larval control.

Community Involvement Companies interested in protecting their workers from malaria must address the continuum between the workplace and the surrounding community, acknowledging that employee safety mandates widespread geographic mosquito control. Since infected humans can also infect mosquitoes, which can then infect new humans, reduced incidence and faster treatment of malaria among community members also means a significantly lower risk to a company's workers. Finally, protecting workers' dependants will save lives, help alleviate an enormous social and health burden and reduce worker absenteeism. Companies can facilitate community malaria initiatives through philanthropy, local program development, workplace program expansion, and health sector support and public private partnerships with, governments, NGOs and affected groups. GBC advocates co-investment, a coordinated joint investment of public and private resources designed to improve equitable access to and provision of health care facilities.

Core Competencies Whether large or small, companies can implement malaria control programs by tapping the core business competencies they use in day-to-day operations; these include strategic planning, technology development, logistics, human resources management, product distribution and marketing. Many large companies already have crucial infrastructure — health clinics, medical staff, information dissemination systems — in place. GBC member companies can apply their core competencies and products to the malaria response through Public Private Partnerships with NGOs, governments and civil society. Transportation companies, for example, can facilitate the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets; health care companies can develop new drugs, cheaper and more efficient diagnostic malaria tests, and vaccines; media and entertainment firms can promote malaria awareness and educate consumers about prevention and treatment.

Advocacy & Leadership Business leaders yield tremendous power to promote change and influence public health policy. Within their companies, senior management can promote innovative prevention approaches, ensure that those who are infected receive necessary treatment, and facilitate employee social responsibility through fundraising campaigns and other philanthropic efforts. GBC identifies opportunities for CEOs and Chairpersons to leverage their power, build alliances, and speak at high-profile platforms. The organization convenes CEOs and Corporate Advisory Board Members to publicly support malaria and call for increased government support. As the official focal point of the private sector delegation to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the organization facilitates multi-sector malaria collaboration.