French Cos take up HIV issue in private sector

New Delhi, Apr 27 (UNI) To raise awareness about the role of private sector in AIDS response, the French Embassy in India together with the UNAIDS brought together CEOs of French companies to deliberate on HIV-related workplace policy issues.

The Embassy, led by Mr Dominique Girardand, organised a meeting earlier this week, of CEOs of French companies operating in India such as Alcatel, Air France, Air Liquide, Carrefour, EADS, Safran India to Societe Generale, STMicro, Suez, Taj Hotels and Veolia to promote the noble cause.

''Building awareness of the severity of the impact of AIDS on business is one of the most important elements in assisting businesses to respond effectively. The idea is to spread information, educate employees and ensure non-discrimination in the workplace, and ultimately remove the stigma associated with an HIV positive person,'' Mr Girard said.

Young people that are the backbone of the Indian economy are among those at high-risk of HIV infection. According to national estimates, more than 90 per cent of HIV cases in the country are between 15 and 49 years, which is the productive age group.

''The private sector like the other sectors, is not immune from AIDS. It is hence crucial that workplace policies and interventions that address the vulnerabilities of the workforce are put in place,'' he said.

More than 40 million people in the world are estimated to be infected with HIV (PLHIV). With close to 5.7 million PLHIV, India has the largest HIV population in the world.

''Public private partnership in the AIDS response is one of the hallmarks of the phase three of the National AIDS Control Programme.

The need for HIV prevention in the workplace is important, especially in emerging markets like India where public resources are constrained,'' said Dr Denis Broun, Country coordinator, UNAIDS India.

He added that working through the private sector to prevent HIV is effective, cost-efficient and sustainable. ''The private sector is in a unique position to respond to the epidemic because of its reach with employees and the wider business community.'' There are close to 300 French companies in India, employing more than 45,000 people.

This joint UNAIDS, French Embassy initiative complements the support and technical assistance of European countries to the Indian response.

UNI