Goa firms join state society to fight HIV/AIDS

Eight more industrial giants have joined hands with the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS),in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to create HIV/AIDS awareness among their employees.

The companies include Zauri Agro Chemicals Ltd, D-Link, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), GKB Opticials, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), MRF, E-Merck and Crompton Greaves. They will now be following the HIV/AIDS guidelines policy.

The HIV/AIDS guidelines policy is based on the ILO code of practice. "The industrial units believe that it is an asset to have a healthy workforce, which shows their commitment towards the society, said Manorama Bakshi, Workplace Advisor of ILO/GSACS.

It be noted that the United Breweries Ltd and Salgaonkar group of companies were first organisations to take initiatives for HIV/AIDS awareness.

According to Bakshi, the ILO/GSACS conducts the awareness programmes for the workers at the industrial premises, wherein the master-trainers are trained. The master-trainers then spread the knowledge among their colleagues and families.

The ILO/GSACS conducts awareness workshops on various topics such as HIV/AIDS as an issue for workers, condom promotion and behaviour change.

Businesses are directly related to societal dynamics and need to address the issues such as HIV/AIDS,said Nitin Kunkolienkar, president, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

Business houses in Goa are asked to develop workplace policy and HIV/AIDS awareness programmes as an ongoing human resource strategy.

This will benefit the business houses in long run, said Kunkolienkar, vice-president, D-Link.

More companies have approached the ILO/GSACS to create HIV/AIDS awareness in their organisations.