AEGiS-13IAC: Sensitization of trade union leaders on HIV/AIDS prevention and care issues in India-a pilot.

13th International AIDS Conference


Durban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000

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Sensitization of trade union leaders on HIV/AIDS prevention and care issues in India-a pilot.

Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:43 (abstract no.. LbPeB7045)

Mirajkar I
ACILS, New Delhi, India, E-mail: abacusl2@bol.net.in.

ISSUE: Sensitize workers affiliated with INTUC (Indian national Trade Union Congress) on issues around HIV/AIDS prevention and care in order to decrease stigma and discrimination at the workplace and create a supportive environment for protecting the rights of workers affected by HIV/AIDS. Description of project: 20 regional INTUC leaders from the coal, mining, plantations and port and dock industries participated in the program. They were in the age group 30-65 years, with most of them above 45 years of age. The trainees were selected based upon the following criteria- Interest, commitment, authority and ability to initiate dialogue on the issue after the training, communication skills and leadership qualities. The program was a sensitization training for a period of 6 days covering issues around gender, sexuality, sexual health, condom promotion, HIV basics and care and support of those living with HIV/AIDS. Conclusions-Outcomes: A manual was prepared and field-tested. It was the first training on HIV/AIDS prevention for many of the participants. Some were even unaware of the full form of HIV/AIDS, there were a lot of misconceptions that were prevalent, judgmental attitudes around sexuality and sexual preferences. Gender bias was very strongly evident. The group was dynamic, open, and proactive. Participants were very committed to the cause and determined to initiate policies on HIV/AIDS prevention after their return to the respective workplaces. The training was successful and culminated in the formulation of detailed plans for advocating with workers and management on institutionalizing HIV/AIDS prevention at the workplace. A follow up training is planned for July 2000. The manual is being revised with feedback from participants. A lot more issues around sexuality and gender are being incorporated in the follow up training.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Sex Behavior, Labor Unions, Condoms, Human Rights, India, Prejudice, Sexuality, Health Planning, United States, prevention & control, AIDSKWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,hivinfections,hivseropositivity,sexbehavior,laborunions,condoms,humanrights,india,prejudice,sexuality,healthplanning,unitedstates,prevention&control,aids
000709
LbPeB7045

Copyright © 2000 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.