Advocacy Programme on HIV/AIDS – Workplace Policy

       The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in association with All India Organization of Employers (AIOE) and International Labour Organization (ILO) jointly organized a meeting on "Advocacy Programme on HIV/AIDS – WORKPLACE POLICY” at Surana Udyog Auditorium, Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad.

             Ms. Parisha Singh, A.D, All India organization of Employers (AIOE), Mr. V. S. Raju, Senior Vice-President, FAPCCI, Mr. R. Sunil Kumar, Chairman, Tourism & Healthcare Committee, FAPCCI, Ms. P. Joshila, International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr. B.V. Subba Reddy, Joint Director, AP State Aids  Control Society, Mr. M.V. Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI and many businessmen, Industrialists and participated in the presentation session.

             Ms. P. Joshila, Programme Officer, ILO, through a presentation covered a wide range of topics relating to HIV/Aids by emphasizing that Employers have a big role to play in helping control HIV/Aids by advocating preventive methods.  Constructive and proactive response in workplace can prove productive in the long run.  Nearly 90% of the HIV infections have been reported from the productive age group of 15-49 years.  In India, the major affected persons are migrant labourers and truck drivers and sex workers.  The fact that most of the people even do not know the exact cause of HIV/Aids.  Further, people are not aware of the exact magnitude of problems faced by HIV/AIDS afflicted person.  There is an

 urgent need to create awareness among the masses about the HIV/AIDs by highlighting the preventive side.  There is a lot of stigma and discrimination against the persons with HIV/AIDs.  To overcome this, corporate sector should take steps to avoid discrimination, gender inequality and also strictly follow the ILO Code of Practice.  There are estimated 33.4 million persons estimated to be HIV afflicted as of 2008.  Out of which, 50% are women.   If HIV/AIDs is detected early, with proper medication, one can survive for 20-25 years.   

       The audience had an special interactive session with Ms. Swapna, who is a HIV/AIDS infected women, who threw light lied on several issues related to HIV/AIDS and specially ON the plight and stigma attached to HIV/AIDS persons.

     Mr. V.S. Raju, Sr. Vice President, FAPCCI, presented FAPCCI literature to the guests.