National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bilt and ACC to deliver anti-retroviral drugs free of cost to their ART units. Operational guidelines regarding manpower requirements and the necessary training in running an ART center were issued by NACO. This is said to help the companies to set up such units.
In addition to these measures, India Inc is also involving employees of major organizations like HLL, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, SRF group, Bilt, Apollo Tyres and Transport Corporation of India in programs to fight against the spread of AIDS. These organizations have partnered with International Labour Organization (ILO) which trains the employees in spreading information about HIV/AIDS at workplace. They will also be educating the truckers on AIDS prevention, control and care at their factories. Beside these, they have joined hands with the state AIDS control societies for awareness sessions.Access to Care and Treatment (ACT) project was launched by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in collaboration with four NGO firms which will help in spreading the awareness about this disease. Currently, in India there are about 5.2 million people affected with HIV/AIDS which has brought down the household income by 10%.
Source-Medindia
JYT
