The Pioneer, 3rd June, 2009
Vedanta Resources group company Vedanta Aluminium Limited in Lanjigarh observed an ‘HIV/AIDS Awareness Week’ from May 19 to May 26, 2009. During the week, the company organised mass awareness programme on this killer disease through street play, folk dance and entertainment activities. The sensitisation drive was organised in collaboration with the Orissa State AIDS Control Society (OSACS). Under the program, 20,853 people from periphery area and villages near Vedanta Alumina Refinery were sensitised on different issues related to HIV/AIDS.Welcoming the initiative, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, Lanjigarh, Dr Mukesh Kumar said, “Lanjigarh has huge number of floating population, who are most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. The awareness initiative is our initiative to prevent the disease in Lanjigarh.” More villages shall be included in similar awareness building programme, that will cover not only HIV/AIDS but also other disease such as Malaria, he said. Similarly, the company is also all set to launch an awareness drive for the labourers and employees to reduce the risks of HIV/AIDS.A team of artists from Bhubaneswar organised 18 awareness sessions in different villages. They informed the public about causes and prevention of HIV/AIDS and tried to remove the stigma regarding the disease. They also used several posters and leaflets to build the awareness.Vedanta Aluminium Limited is one of the few companies in Orissa that focuses on fighting HIV/ AIDS. It has started Integrated Counseling and Training Center (ICTC) at Lanjigarh in collaboration with OSACS. This ICTC will also be the first Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre in Lanjigarh. The centre provides counselling and testing facility on HIV/AIDS for community members, migrant workers, truck driver and its staff.
No comments:
Post a Comment