Corporate concern
Bhalla, S.
Integration 1997(54): 17-19
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0916-0582 PMID: 12293670 Document Number: 274018
In India, it has become clear that HIV/AIDS prevention and control efforts must involve all segments of society. After a 1995 survey revealed that the Indian people lack accurate information about HIV/AIDS and that condom use was low, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) began to incorporate HIV/AIDS prevention activities in its social development activities in the work place. CII's objectives are to 1) mobilize companies to implement nondiscriminatory policies towards infected employees; 2) sensitize companies on issues related to HIV/AIDS; 3) advocate shared social responsibility; 4) implement behavior change programs at the work place; and 5) provide quality clinical services including referrals, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and provision of condoms. As a result, a STD/HIV/AIDS prevention campaign was initiated in 1996 at the 500-employee Saraswati Industrial Syndicate Company. The campaign involved 1) endorsement by management; 2) a participatory approach; 3) a situation analysis based on concern for individuals; and 4) an intervention implementation design that included sensitization, group sessions, activities to enhance awareness, promotion of behavior changes, provision of services, reinforcements, expansion, and STD management. The successful implementation of this program resulted from recognition of the root issues involved and has inspired other companies to implement similar programs using the CII Options for Action Module.