JSPL signs MoU with NACO for HIV/AIDS control activities

Odisha Channel Bureau Angul, July 7: Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) to implement the Employer Led Model (ELM) on HIV/AIDS to undertake preventive and care activities for the workers in its Angul facility.The MoU, signed by C.D.Mathew, Vice-President & Head (Human Resource) was duly delivered for execution to Babaji Charan Das, Project Director, OSACS for mutual execution by Brajendra Kumar Das, Chief Medical Officer of JSPL and Puspalata Satapathy, DGM – CSR, JSPL Angul, according to an official release.Signing the MoU, the Project Director OSACS said, “This initiative of JSPL will certainly help in controlling HIV/AIDS at Angul and also in reducing the stigma and discrimination against PLHIV.This collaboration between JSPL and OSACS will certainly encourage other Companies in Odisha for implementing ELM at their respective plant / factories.”ELM is a public private partnership programme by NACO and it envisages integration of HIV/AIDS prevention to care programme within the systems and structures of the industry for the benefit of workers. This programme will increase the awareness among migrant workers, truckers and employees working in the industry.The ICTC located in JSPL will facilitate in availing the Government programme and schemes through the nodal officer designated for this programme by JSPL. “Being a socially responsible Corporate, we are working towards HIV/AIDS control since 2011.We organise awareness and counselling programme regularly.Collaboration with OSACS will further strengthen our effort and we hope with the technical support from OSACS effectiveness of our programme will increase,” said Dinesh Kumar Saraogi, Executive Director and Location Head of JSPL, Angul.“JSPL’s CSR and medical team are well poised to undertake awareness and prevention campaign to address the vulnerability of HIV since 2011,” said S.K.Sharma Head of CSR Angul.As per the MoU, JSPL will form a Coordination Committee to look after the extension of the services like awareness and information dissemination as well as the HIV/AIDS/STI services.OSCAS will be committed to extend training and capacity building to integrate HIV/AIDS/STI services in the systems and structures of industry by providing mentoring to all related coordination and facilitation and to ensure zero infection and HIV related death in the district due to HIV/AIDS.JSPL in collaboration with NACO has been operating an integrated counselling and testing centre for HIV prevention, control, awareness and voluntary testing in its Angul plant premises and so far have undertaken testing of 1.40 lakh persons, who have volunteered for HIV testing as per NACO guidelines, the release added.