Jorawer Singh, Bhathinda, September 3, 2009: With the construction activity reaching its full swing at the Bhathinda Refinary, the influx of truckers carrying cement, steel, gravel and other construction material to this location, 40 KM off from the main town Bhathinda, has increased multifold. Understanding the peculiar lifestyle of truckers, Hindustan Mittal Energy Ltd., HMEL, as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility have started Counseling / Awareness programme on causes, symptoms and prevention of HIV & AIDS, for the truck drivers. This project is in collaboration with Punjab Govt.’s – Health Department.
As truckers are most of the time on the road away from the homes, there have always been high chance of them having sex with sex workers en route. Besides encouraging them voluntary testing for HIV, the condoms are also being regularly distributed free of charge. Based on the feedback from these drivers, they are also being advised not to indulge in sex while under influence of liquor as a few have reported that they have tendency of forgetting to use the condom in such situations.
As an impact of this program, during one such session recently, 75 Drivers voluntarily gave blood samples for HIV Test, which is a highest collection on a single day in the region.