Government has been making significant strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS in workplaces and has been taking its message to several sites.

The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with Youth Challenge Guyana, held a sensitisation campaign during a recent outreach to Bartica, Region Seven. It was held at BK’s Quarries Incorporated, Tiperu/Habu Mazaruni River.

Counselling and testing services were offered and an interactive session held to heighten awareness of the Ministry’s programmes and of HIV/AIDS. Issues as prevention, care and support, and stigma and discrimination were addressed.

Senior Labour Officer within the Ministry of Labour, Karen Vansluytman addressing employees of BK Inc., said that the exercise was part of the Ministry of Labour’s programme in keeping with the National HIV/AIDS policy.

“This exercise is based on high risk, low risk or no risk at all … Most of you would have heard something about HIV/AIDS since it is an issue which has been at the forefront for some time now. So we are here to sensitise you about the disease and to counsel and get you tested also.”

The exercise, dealing with HIV/AIDS can be transmitted and some of the prevalent sexually transmitted diseases and prevention, captured the attention of approximately 100 persons.

The sensitisation campaign, which was deemed successful, offered participants an opportunity to share experiences and knowledge with their peers.

Participants were eager to know their status and took full advantage of the tests.

The HIV/AIDS policy deals with responsibilities of employers, labour unions, workers and the Government. It requires that workplaces assist with counselling.

Providing professional training remains a priority of Government’s developmental goals, and the Ministry has been making additional provisions to ensure that more persons are trained to better execute their duties.

Over the years, Government has allocated billions to help eradicate the stigma of HIV/AIDS in workplaces, and employees of the Ministry of Labour have been visiting a number of businesses countrywide to sensitise persons. (GINA)