Workplace Programme on HIV/AIDS being launched in Delhi

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) A Workplace programme on HIV/AIDS is being launched in Delhi soon to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on working population and their families.

The programme to be launched by the Delhi AIDS Control Society in association with the International Labour Organisation, would be aimed at preventing HIV/AIDS in the world of work in Delhi which is not only the national capital but also the fastest growing cities of India.

Under the programme a tripartite response of establishing a work place HIV/AIDS policy, providing easy access to information, condoms and safe sexual behaviour to working population apart from providing care and support to those infected and affected would be included.

The project will collaborate with public and private sector companies in initiating the workplace HIV/AIDS programmes. It will also collaborate with Labour Department, Employees Organisations, People Living with HIV networks and NGOs in expanding the programmes to the workers and their families.

The programme would help DSACS into not only reaching a huge work force to educate them but also percolate this information to their families by identifying certain sectors which are relatively vulnerable to HIV/AIDS Delhi, whose economy is supported by agriculture, tourism commerce and growing industrial sector attracts a large number of migrant population seeking employment opportunities which makes it more vulnerable for the spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Ms Leyla Tegmo Reddy, Director ILO, reiterated the importance of Workplace Intervention as nearly 90 per cent HIV infection in India have been reported from the most productive age group which is the main workforce for the country. ''India is the threshhold of opportunity which should be utilised optimally and prevent the negative impact of HIV/AIDS on the workers, families, enterprises and national economy, she added.

Addressing a stakeholders meeting here today to sensitise the them and mark the occasion of launching the interventions, Delhi Chief Secretary said ''the national capital is moving a step further towards making the state AIDS Free.'' UNI AJ HS HT1815