15th International AIDS Conference Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10201)

Sebastiar Alexander S
Institution, Trichy, India

ISSUES:Based on the findings of the HIV / AIDS Need Assessment Study conducted by us among the truckers during the March 2002, a comprehensive HIV / AIDS prevention intervention programme is being undertaken in Dalmiapuram Cement Factory area of Trichy district in Tamil Nadu since 01.10.2003 with the assistance from MISEREOR, Germany. The issues with regard to the trucking community are, a majority of the truckers are infected with STDs, a few percent are carriers of HIV / AIDS, STD not properly treated, unaware of information on HIV / AIDS and proper condoms use, lack of effective counselling services etc.

DESCRIPTION:This cement factory area was uncovered by any AIDS funding organisations both the Governments and others till 2002. A majority of the truckers employed in the long trucking industry are hailing from Dalmiapuram and its surrounding villages. During the past two year, there are 18 reported AIDS death cases in the target area alone, a majority of whom are truckers, as per Government medical sources. The truckers are less educated. Due to social stigma and cultural bindings, a many AIDS death cases are hidden at home as well as in the community. In the rest of the HIV positive cases, discriminations are practised by individual and society. Since the truckers are carriers of HIV / AIDS, the secondary target groups like spouses, other sex partners and WIPs of the area, are affected by transmission of HIV.

LESSONS LEARNED:The grave situations prevailed in the target area is alarming that there should be integrated approaches between implementing NGO (CARD), and Dalmia Cement Factory management and Trucking Community in prevention of HIV / AIDS and slow the death of the people living with HIV / AIDS. Recommendation:The target groups must have easy access for all that effective education of HIV / AIDS, proper care for STD / HIV, regular counselling services, condom promotion through a social marketing etc.

040711
D10201

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