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ITF puts the spotlight on HIV and transport
26 October 2006
The ITF is asking affiliates to make use of a new film, highlighting the issue of HIV and transport workers in Africa, as part of their educational activities during the build up to World AIDS Day on 1 December.
The ITF film, Highway of Hope, which runs for half an hour, focuses on the principal transport corridor through East Africa, running through Malawi and into southern Africa. The corridor has recently gained notoriety as a main route of HIV/AIDS transmission. Highlighting the seriousness of the HIV/AIDS crisis affecting truck drivers on the highway to Uganda and Kenya, the film also demonstrates how ITF campaigns are helping to combat the spread of the infection. Although the film focuses on Africa, it emphasises the point that this is a global problem.
Core issues covered by the film include: sexual lifestyle on the road; gender inequality; education, health and prevention and trade unions’ role in raising awareness and the impact of neo-liberal policies on widening the gap between rich and poor.
Dr Asif Altaf, ITF HIV/AIDS Coordinator, commented: “The documentary highlights the real horrors of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, but also points out that there is a constructive way forward - and that success is possible given enlightenment, courage, commitment and international trade union solidarity. We think that this film is a powerful educational tool and we expect our affiliates to use it in their educational activities, particularly in the run-up to World AIDS Day.”
Currently only available in English, the film will soon be translated into French, Spanish, Arabic and Russian. To obtain a copy email education@itf.org.uk.
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