The Business Bytes
Vedanta Aluminium launches week-long HIV-AIDS awareness campaign in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, December 6, 2024 (TBB Bureau): On the occasion of World AIDS Day, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, inaugurated a week-long HIV-AIDS awareness campaign across Odisha. Aligned with the theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”, this initiative aims to educate and sensitize local communities about HIV-AIDS prevention, treatment, and the eradication of stigma surrounding the disease.
The campaign spans multiple locations, including Jharsuguda, Lanjigarh, and Vedanta’s mining regions, and has already reached over 11,400 individuals through a series of impactful activities. These include expert-led awareness sessions, rallies, marathons, street plays, and health education programs targeting diverse groups such as students, truck drivers, police personnel, and local communities. By addressing myths and providing accurate information about HIV-AIDS, the initiative empowers individuals to adopt preventive measures and seek timely medical support.
In Jharsuguda district, the campaign began with a World AIDS Day rally flagged off by Kishore Chandra Swain, Additional District Magistrate. The rally witnessed the participation of more than 350 individuals, including NCC and NSS cadets, Vedanta employees, and students from local institutions. Throughout the week, awareness programs will extend to schools, colleges, and police stations in partnership with the Odisha State AIDS Control Society (OSACS) and the District Health Administration. These efforts aim to educate approximately 5,000 individuals about HIV-AIDS and foster greater understanding within the community.
In Lanjigarh, the campaign focused on migrant workers, truck drivers, and the local populace through targeted awareness sessions emphasizing safe practices and prevention. Over 500 participants attended these sessions, which also featured “nukkad natak” (street plays) as a creative medium to convey critical health messages. Similarly, Vedanta organized awareness initiatives around its coal and bauxite mining projects, engaging communities across the Kuraloi Coal Mine, Sundargarh, and Sijimali regions. These activities included rallies, educational sessions, and street plays, benefiting thousands of individuals in collaboration with organizations like the Red Ribbon Club, National AIDS Control Organisation, and district health authorities.
At the Sijimali region, a mass rally, flagged off by Dr. Nihendra Panda, Chief District Medical Officer of Kalahandi, brought together over 5,000 participants. In Sundargarh, interactive sessions and performances reached more than 600 individuals, further reinforcing Vedanta’s commitment to community well-being.
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainable development and community health, stating, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we firmly believe that the health and well-being of communities are the cornerstones of sustainable development. This World AIDS Day, our awareness campaign stands as a testament to our enduring commitment to addressing pressing health challenges and empowering communities through knowledge, care, and support. By fostering understanding and combating stigma, we aim to inspire collective action and pave the way for a healthier, more inclusive future.”
Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts exemplify its commitment to fostering positive social change through health and awareness initiatives. By engaging diverse stakeholders and promoting education, the company not only celebrates the spirit of World AIDS Day but also strengthens its vision of creating informed, resilient, and inclusive communities united in the fight against HIV-AIDS.
