Still, all too few companies in India have serious workplace programmes. The 2005-2006 Global Health Initiative study by the WEF included 100 Indian firms, and found only 11% had any written policy to combat discrimination based on HIV status. About 31% reported having an informal policy, while 52% had no policy. Awareness about HIV/AIDS among workers remains alarmingly low, at about 40-50%. The perception of personal risk among workers is also quite low. Indian Business Trust for HIV/AIDS, a unit of the Confederation of Indian Industry, says its programmes cover 2,200 companies. However, only 994 have signed the workplace policy.
Yet it is easy to piggyback such initiatives on existing ones. Ugam Solutions, based in Mumbai, provides market research, analytics and online marketing services to international clients. For its workforce of 800 across Mumbai, London, San Francisco and Chicago, Ugam conducts regular health check-ups and blood donation drives. An HIV status check is included in both.
Mphasis, an electronic data systems (EDS) company that offers voice and transaction-based BPO services, has centres in Bangalore, Mangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Noida, Ahmedabad and Puducherry. “Induction sessions for new recruits also include inputs on HIV/AIDS awareness,” says Meenu Bhambani, manager, community initiatives, Mphasis.
Policy of awareness
Dedicated awareness programmes and a robust HIV policy are a key first step, at least acknowledging the problem. Bangalore-based Sterling Commerce (an AT&T company) runs a campaign titled What you don’t Know Can Hurt You. Nisha Gopinath, senior manager, human resources, says, “Most of us would like to think a disease like AIDS can’t happen to us or to anyone we know, but unfortunately it can and does happen to all kinds of people.” Employees learn about the symptoms of HIV/AIDS, ways to prevent its spread, misconceptions about AIDS, how to get tested and why, and crucially, how to respond if someone they know tests positive.
Texport Industries Pvt. Ltd, a garment manufacturer and exporter based in Bangalore, has a workplace policy based on the ILO code of practice on HIV/AIDS. “(It) focuses on non-discrimination, continuation of employment, right to information on HIV/AIDS,” says S.W.H. Zaidi, vice-president, human resources.
Helping hands for HIV
Various non-profit organizations help initiate such programmes in workplaces. ILO, for one, has a three-phase project in India for establishing sustainable national action on HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support at work.
PSI works with the private sector to address health issues in at least 60 developing countries. In India, PSI works with 100 companies to promote Connect, an HIV/AIDS intervention programme. It has also launched a group insurance scheme for people living with HIV, in collaboration with Star Health Insurance.
Texport, with a workforce of 11,000 (90% women), used PSI Connect to train 20 “master trainers” among its employees, who in turn educated 200 “peer educators” on transmission and treatment of HIV/AIDS. These employees are educating other workers. The plan is to reach at least 80% of the workers this year.
Mphasis, too, trained 30 “master trainers” through PSI Connect. Public sector enterprise Bangalore Metropolitan Road Transport Corporation has also signed on.
Act against HIV/AIDS
Here is a ready reckoner on introducing an HIV/AIDS intervention programme at your workplace
1. How to start: Contact NACO or State AIDS Prevention and Control Societies in your region for a start-up model. ILO, CII and NGOs also offer technical assistance.