PSI organizes workshop on PPP in HIV/AIDS

PSI organizes workshop on PPP in HIV/AIDS

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Dec 1: Population Services International, a non profit organization, organized a workshop on public-private partnership (PPP) in HIV/AIDS on the occasion on World AIDS Day at Hotel Goldfinch, Bunts Hostel Road, Mangalore on Dec 1, Tuesday.

The participants of the workshop held discussions on conducting workplace programmes on HIV/AIDS and TB in 103 Mangalore-based companies. The purpose of the workshop was also to encourage the organization of training programmes on HIV for employees and also to urge companies to adopt HIV/AIDS policies that ensure a working environment free of discrimination against HIV+ people. 









Dr. Kishore Kumar, the district programme officer of District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, DK, said that HIV wrecks the immune system of human beings, making them susceptible to all sorts of infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis. He said that medical science is yet to find a drug to destroy the HIV virus.

Dr. Kumar also said that 3 ART centres will be established in Mangalore to provide treatment for AIDS patients. Puttur and Bantwal already have such centres.

Niresh Kumar, Senior Manager with Population Services International, a leading non profit organization and organizers of the workshop, mentioned that the private sector is increasingly embracing the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility. The new outlook focuses not just on the welfare of the employees but widens the private sector’s obligation to the supply chain and the community.

Seema Mathias, Secretary, Hongirana Network mentioned that more than 125 HIV positive people have enrolled for the hospitalization insurance from DK district alone. Money is a significant barrier in scaling up enrollment.

Ramachandra Bhat, the proprietor of Classic Fusion, said that, in order to provide a particular type of testing is available in Sadhana Mobile Clinic, which will soon be available at the door steps of certain organizations, the disease should be detected in its early stages. Awareness should therefore be created among the people. 

India’s first hospitalization insurance policy meant exclusively for HIV patients, facts about the functioning of the DK District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, and its public-private partnership with PSI’s Sadhana Mobile Clinic as well as Project Sankalp of ESIC in order to give HIV counselling and testing for ESIC members were discussed and explained at the workshop.

During the function, organizations which have made a significant contribution to HIV/AIDS prevention and control were recognized by issuing a Certificate of Appreciation. Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry was given a Certificate of Appreciation for its role in initiating workplace programs among its members and encouraging adoption of HIV/AIDS policies to create a discrimination free environment in workplaces for HIV positive individuals.

Ravinandan, officer, Corporate outreach and Training, PSI, Mangalore welcomed the gathering. Abhilash Philip, Area Programme Manager, PSI compered the programme.