Community health issues can affect business
performance and reputation. For instance, certain
diseases, such as malaria and acute respiratory
infections, have the potential to cause changes in
local workforce productivity, adversely affecting the
business. The presence of communicable diseases
can also increase the health care costs of local
employees and their families. And a rise in the
prevalence of noncommunicable diseases such as
diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, and stress-
related diseases can have significant productivity and
financial repercussions. On the other hand, direct or
indirect health-related support from project
developers to local communities is usually well-
received and can have significant reputational
benefits to the project sponsors. Outreach efforts that
improve overall environmental, social, and health
quality can turn existing health-associated risks into
mutual benefits to businesses and communities.