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| Sunday, 25 December 2005 |
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AIDS program for migrant workers by Ananda Kannangara In order to create an awareness on the impact of the deadly AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) virus among the Sri Lankan migrant workers and employees in the private sector institutions, the Labour Relations and Foreign Employment Ministry will launch a comprehensive study program in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation. The program 'Dangerousness of the spreading of HIV/AIDS virus', will be carried out by the Labour Ministry with the help of two major government institutions, the Social Services and the Health Departments. In addition, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), who has been officially empowered to handle the employment matters of Sri Lankan labour force in foreign countries will also assist, which will commence from early next year. In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Labour Relations and Foreign Employment Minister Athauda Seneviratna expressed his frustration over certain complaints of sexually transmitted diseases among certain employees at work places and said that it was important to conduct such AIDS prevention programs for the benefit of vulnerable people. Minister Seneviratna is of the view that this nature of study programs must be conducted at work places at regular intervals, while Lankan workers, who are expecting to leave our shores must also be given thorough briefing on this disease before their departure. The Minister, however, insisted that programs of this nature should be carried out even at school level and also at community centres for the benefit of the general public. Quoting a recent Health Department research, Minister Seneviratna said that nearly 4500 people are presently estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile the health research also indicated that nearly 90 per cent of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infections in Sri Lanka have so far reported from 20-49 year age group who is the most economically and productive group in the country. |
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