Jagdamba Pandey

Each year, on 1^st December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. This year’s theme was End inequalities End AIDS.

Creating awareness amongst seafarers, National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), The Maritime Union of India (MUI), MBPT Dock and General Employees Union (MBPTU), and Transport and Dock Workers Union (TDWU) jointly organized HIV/AIDS awareness programme on the occasion of World AIDS Day – 1st December at Indian Sailors Home Society, Mumbai.

Mr Amar Singh Thakur, General Secretary, MUI; Ms Kalpana Desai, TDWU; Mr Rajesh Rathod TDWU; and Ms Yogini Durafe, MBPT educated the seafarers about the modern reality of HIV – how it is transmitted, how to get treatment and help, and how HIV-positive people can now lead long and relatively healthy lives with the right medication and support.

Dr Vijay Belani – one of the first DG approved Doctors (1982) of Dr Belanis Blue Shield Medical Clinic was the Chief Guest. He interacted with the seafarers and informed them on how to be safe and prevent AIDS.

“HIV is a preventable disease. Effective HIV prevention interventions have proven to reduce HIV transmission. Those who have tested positive can make significant behaviour changes to improve their health and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their sex or drug-using partners” expressed Dr Belani.

NUSI Youth and Women Committee organized a similar programme for seafarers residing at Diu.

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