LBCH meets THASL to spread HIV and AIDS awareness

Monday, 2 March 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Lanka Business Coalition of HIV and AIDS (LBCH) recently met 22 members of the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL). The meeting was held with the aim of promoting HIV and AIDS awareness among THASL members. Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana, Consultant Community Physician, National STD/AIDS Control Program, emphasised the critical need for awareness across the country, while presenting current statistics on HIV and AIDS in Sri Lanka. The majority of those infected with HIV fall within the 25 to 40 year age bracket, which will affect the country’s economy in the near future, she added. Chairperson of LBCH and Head of CSR at John Keells Holdings PLC Nadija Tambiah said that LBCH and THASL have agreed to concentrate on the leisure sector in this year recognising the vulnerability of those working within it to HIV and AIDS. Through LBCH, THASL members can now receive vital education sessions with Trainers being provided free of charge, Tambiah explained. These include Train the Trainer sessions, and awareness programs on HIV and AIDS, which are conducted by qualified staff. Apart from this, LBCH facilitates screening programs and counseling sessions and also assists in developing communication material to increase awareness among employees. In addition, LBCH helps its members to implement a comprehensive HIV and AIDS policy within their organisation and even coordinates with medical and other organisations to facilitate better HIV and AIDS awareness. President of THASL and Chairman of the Jetwing Group, Hiran Cooray said that the spread of HIV and AIDS was a serious problem both within the country and globally. “LBCH carries out vital work to prevent the spread of these diseases, and I hope THASL members will proactively join the Coalition and receive access to their services,” he said. LBCH is a nonprofit coalition of individual corporates who have partnered with organizations such as the National STD/AIDS Control Program of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor, ILO, UNAIDS, Chambers of Commerce, and Employers Federation to address the critical issue of HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention. Most leading corporates such in Sri Lanka are members of LBCH and subscribe to the vision of fighting HIV/AIDS through education and awareness. THASL membership will also help to expand the opportunity to give awareness to hotel sector in more effective manner. THASL co-operates with the Government of Sri Lanka on all measures for the promotion and improvement of the Tourist Hotels Industry. They advise the Government and other authorities on appropriate measures and incentives necessary to encourage and stimulate the tourist hotels industry in Sri Lanka. Over 150 hotels have become THASL members, and there are 10 regional associations who are part of the THASL committee.