The Ambassador of the United States of America, Robert O’ Blake addressed the Sri Lankan Business federation recently on HIV/AIDS, to announce its growing danger and the commitment in educating commercial sector employees on HIV/AIDS. To date over 35 multinationals, large by the local corporate have aligned themselves to this business federation which is committed in bringing together the Government, the business community and the civil society in the national response to combat the HIV/ADIS epidemic.
The event was held at the Ceylon Continental last week. “Indeed, HIV/AIDS has had a profoundly negative social and economic impact on countries in every part of the world, including my own. Here in Sri Lanka, issues such as the ongoing conflict, poverty and high levels of unemployment among women put not only the health of its victims at risk, but also the social and economic fabric of society, warned Blake”.
He further added. “The private sector brings unparalleled skills, technical know-how, and understanding of communication products, marketing and selling of products and services, and valuable knowledge to reach and change opinions of large numbers of people, employees, and families. If the Government, private sector and development organisations work collaboratively in order to improve health service delivery and increase coordination of HIV prevention efforts within the community, we can go a long way in keeping the scourge of HIV/AIDS from the shores of Sri Lanka”.
The Global Fund recently gave 1.9 million dollars for the prevention of HIV to the Sri Lankan government for education on the virus which covers the plantation sector. They have already selected Advance Level students who study in ten different districts an awareness programs on HIV/AIDS.” said Dr Nimal Edirisinghe, Director of the National STD/AIDS program, to the Daily News Business.
In Sri Lanka 930 individuals have been currently detected as being HIV Positive, but the estimated figure is around 3500- 4000. 42% of the victims in these cases are female and 80% of them have been infected by their spouses. These are statistics that could have been avoided if timely awareness and education were provided. The mission taken on by this federation is a most welcome support to support to the Nation response to HIV/AIDS “he added.
