In its efforts to curb the HIV and AIDS epidemic, Sterlite has initiatedan awareness drive that is aimed at truckers, contract & migrant workersand members of the local community. While education camps initially encountered resistance because of the social stigma associated with HIV and AIDS, repeated awareness activities have helped gain acceptance.
The government of India has taken significant measures to curb thespread of HIV, at both national and state levels. But much remains to be done. Businesses can play an important part, particularly in HIV prevention but also in the care and treatment of AIDS patients. Besides, more active engagement of the private sector is critical to achieve the scale of intervention needed to curb the HIV and AIDS menace. Partnerships with local NGOs and other agencies have proved critical to the success of ensuring that migrant workers are exposed to HIV and AIDS awareness programmes.
