Private firms tasked on HIV/AIDS

August 10, 2007 :: Bonny Amadi Daily Champion,Lagos

Private organisations have been urged to establish a work place HIV/AIDS and wellness programme for their staff as well as the host community where they operate. The call was made in Lagos recently by the executive secretary and chief executive officer Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NIBUCCA) Mr Olusina Falana, during the post train the trainers workshop, press briefing. Falana said that it was in fulfilment of NIBUCCA's objective to have a private sector that responds to the growing challenges of HIV/AIDS, by ensuring equal rights and opportunities for employees infected and affected by HIV, that it held the recently concluded workshop on wiliness and positive living in Ibadan, Oyo State. Adding "NIBUCCA's mission is to prevent the spread and brinig to bear the impact of HIV and AIDS in the private sector as well as position members to contribute to national response in their host communities." Even as Falana said that it is incumbent on the private organisations to improve the quality and quantity of health of employees and their dependents as well as host communities and supply chain, organisations should also guide against the consequences of not caring for the health needs of it's work force. He expressed regret that many heads of organisations still believe that HIV/AIDS poses not threat to their businesses.