LBCH calls on corporate sector to protect employees

The Lanka Business Coalition of HIV and AIDS (LBCH) called on the heads of top corporates to protect their employees in a memo sent out to mark World AIDS Day which fell on Monday.

Over 2,000 cases of HIV and AIDS have been reported in Sri Lanka as at the end of the third quarter of 2014, the LBCH memo said. Males were the worst affected, with 1,061 cases reported at the end of the third quarter. Twenty one AIDS related deaths were reported during the same period.

"Empirical data shows an alarming increase in the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in Sri Lanka, in direct contrast to a reduction in prevalence elsewhere in the world. This we believe is a result of the secrecy and social stigma surrounding the disease," Chairperson, LBCH, Nadija Tambiah said.Most countries had combated the deadly diseases through awareness building. In this sense, LBCH plays a vital role, conducting special sensitisation and awareness programs, she said. LBCH also encourages the corporate sector to introduce dedicated HIV and AIDS policies in their workplaces.

"HIV need not be a death sentence. Those who contract it can now live long and prosper with early diagnosis and proper treatment. More importantly, employees should be educated on preventative and treatment methods and the resources available for testing and counseling," Tambiah said.