CII launches toll free helpline on HIV/AIDS

In a bid to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS, the Confederation of Indian Industriy (CII) Friday announced the launch of a toll free helpline in four languages.

Making the announcement at a discussion organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Delhi State Aids Control Society (DSACS) and the CII here, Meenakshi Dhanda of the CII said that the helpline will be in four langauges - Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi.

"This initiative's aim is to spread awareness among as many people as we possibly can, therefore we have the helpline in four different languages. One can dial 1800-180-2008 or 0172-266217 to speak to the counsellors and seek information regarding HIV/AIDS," Dhanda said.

"CII has trained 38,500 people through workshops and infotainment in order to strengthen corporate responsibility for a safer tomorrow. In addition, 463 professionals have been trained on Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) and 233 corporate members are signatory to the HIV policy for CII," she added.

P. Joshina, training and advocacy officer at ILO, said that 90 percent of HIV infections in India spread during the most productive age of 15-49 years. Therefore a person infected with the disease must not be asked to leave his or her workplace.

"The national policy on HIV/AIDS released by the ministry of labour is a testimony to right to work for people suffering from the disease. The corporates must undertake HIV/AIDS awareness programmes within the organisation, and broaden its domains by reaching out to its supply chain and community at large," Joshina said.

Last updated on Nov 20^th, 2009 at 19:23 pm IST--IANS