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Goa firms join state society to fight HIV/AIDS Our Regional Bureau / Panaji February 08, 2006 Eight more industrial giants have joined hands with the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS),in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to create HIV/AIDS awareness among their employees. The companies include Zauri Agro Chemicals Ltd, D-Link, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), GKB Opticials, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), MRF, E-Merck and Crompton Greaves. They will now be following the HIV/AIDS guidelines policy. The HIV/AIDS guidelines policy is based on the ILO code of practice. �The industrial units believe that it is an asset to have a healthy workforce, which shows their commitment towards the society, said Manorama Bakshi, Workplace Advisor of ILO/GSACS. It be noted that the United Breweries Ltd and Salgaonkar group of companies were first organisations to take initiatives for HIV/AIDS awareness. According to Bakshi, the ILO/GSACS conducts the awareness programmes for the workers at the industrial premises, wherein the master-trainers are trained. The master-trainers then spread the knowledge among their colleagues and families. The ILO/GSACS conducts awareness workshops on various topics such as HIV/AIDS as an issue for workers, condom promotion and behaviour change. Businesses are directly related to societal dynamics and need to address the issues such as HIV/AIDS,said Nitin Kunkolienkar, president, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Business houses in Goa are asked to develop workplace policy and HIV/AIDS awareness programmes as an ongoing human resource strategy. This will benefit the business houses in long run, said Kunkolienkar, vice-president, D-Link. More companies have approached the ILO/GSACS to create HIV/AIDS awareness in their organisations. -- Salaam ali kum. Gabe Menezes. London, England