Aids awareness campaign for BPO staff in Kolkata

Kolkata, July 16 (ANI): In an attempt to create awareness of deadly HIV/AIDS in the IT and BPO sectors, the Kolkata-based Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) are conducting special programmes.

The ICC has joined hands with the West Bengal State AIDS Prevention and Control Society (WBSAP and CS) to conduct this programme, named 'Project on Mainstreaming AIDS Awareness'.

It would focus on the youth employed in the IT and BPO sectors. The outsourcing units will be selected and experts would enlighten the employees about AIDS prevention measures.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is also a facilitator of this time-bound 'Project on Mainstreaming AIDS Awareness'.

"We will bring in experts who train the employees selectively and then they become trainees. They will further train their peers and colleagues in their own company.

Secondly, we will also encourage them to conduct some mass awareness programmes, campaigns and training," said Syed Mohammad Afsar, national project coordinator, ILO.

Senior office bearers of the ICC mentioned that this programme would help in controlling HIV and sexually transmitted diseases among young men and women.

This programme was formally launched here on Wednesday.

Reportedly, there are at least 4000 registered cases of AIDS in West Bengal. (ANI)