The Textile Association (India) Rajathan Unit joins hand with Denim Club India to support and promote HIV and AIDS awareness

Online, February 9, 2010 (Newswire.com) - In order to promote and spread awareness about HIV & AIDS the Textile Association (India), Rajasthan Unit has stepped up and associated with and extended support to the ongoing year long HIV and AIDS awareness campaign being run by Denim Club India. To mark the beginning of the association awareness sessions on HIV and AIDS were organised at Bhilwara on 1st February, 2010.

The campaign by Denim Club India has a strong focus on the Textile, Apparel and Retail segments, since these segments employ migrant labour in large numbers. Companies can play a vital role in curbing the HIV infection rate by taking early action to prevent HIV and reducing stigma by spreading awareness in a large number of workers which will further propagate to their families and the larger community.

Expressing his thoughts about the proposed session Mr. Dhirendra Sharma, Secretary, The Textile Association (India), Rajasthan Unit said "We are pleased to associate and extend a helping hand to this noble cause. Rajasthan is currently not one of the high prevalence states for HIV and AIDS and hence it is imperative that we take adequate measures to curb and reduce the infection rates rather than being complacent and allowing the situation to worsen. Our unit will extend all possible support to Denim Club India in increasing the awareness level of workforce in various textiles units in Rajathan and for implementation of the Work-place Policy on HIV for reducing the stigma attached with HIV and AIDS. "

Welcoming the initiative by The Textile Association (India), Mr. R. Dudeja, Founder, Denim Club India said, "The Textile Association (India), Rajasthan Unit has taken a significant step for addressing the HIV and AIDS pandemic by recognising the need of inclusion of HIV awareness in the Textile Units in Rajasthan. This initiative will definitely prove significant in tackling and curbing the HIV prevalence in Rajathan. We look forward to furthering our goal of creating public private partnerships, in, and supported by, the textile, apparel and retail industry for adoption of HIV and AIDS workplace policy to prevent workplace discrimination and ensuring employment for people living with HIV. "

The year long HIV and AIDS awareness campaign with the theme "Do Something and Make A Difference" was launched on 1st December 2009 and will continue till 30th November, 2010. During this period, different segments and sections of civil society will be targeted through this campaign. The campaign will reach out to the youth in schools and colleges, the low income group workers and decision makers / senior executives in industrial establishments, and general public by way of arranging for interactive sessions.