Alaya Hotels & Resorts Conducts HIV/AIDS and Drug Prevention Counselling for All Employees
During the month of August, Alaya Hotels & Resorts Kuta collaborated with dr. Romy Associates to conduct HIV/AIDS and NAPZA (Narcotics, Psychotropics and Addictive Substances) prevention counselling. These informative sessions were available for all employees of Alaya Resort Ubud, Alaya Dedaun Kuta, Tanaya Bed & Breakfast, Tan’s Bakery and Pastry, and Dala Spa.
HIV/AIDS and NAPZA prevention counselling is an important mode of behavioural intervention. NAPZA are narcotics, psychotropics, and other additive substances which endanger users. There are many cases around Bali related to drug abuse and the number of users continues to increase. This information inspired Alaya Hotels & Resorts to reach out to dr. Romy Associates to host a series of counselling events about the dangers of drug abuse with the aim of preventing young people from experimenting with illegal substances.
In addition, the team from dr. Romy Associates educated Alaya Hotels & Resorts staff members about HIV/AIDS. The term HIV refers to a virus that affects people by weakening the human immune system so that the body fails to fight infection. This virus is produced in human cells, while AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a more progressive disease with a collection of symptoms that arise due to the loss of immunity.
Through this counselling, staff at both Alaya Resort Ubud and Alaya Dedaun Kuta learned that there is no guaranteed vaccine or curative treatment for HIV/AIDS. Contracting the virus means having to deal with a number of medical, psychological and social issues. In many countries, women and girls are today bearing a heavier burden than men when it comes to HIV infection.
Gender inequalities limit women’s access to HIV/AIDS treatment, care and support, including antiretroviral therapies. HIV positive women face stigmatization and are more likely than men to be blamed, denounced and abandoned by their families.
The increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases and NAPZA users in Indonesia is a real concern and immediate action must be taken. The Alaya Hotels & Resorts Management Team hopes that this kind of awareness program will reinforce the importance of prevention and safe sex practices. The overall aim is to protect people and their partner/s by sharing valuable information that will greatly reduce the likelihood of transmission.
This sustainability program was one of our concerns for each other. It also reinforced the resort’s commitment to Tri Hita Karana, a Balinese Hindu lifestyle philosophy that is all about maintaining a harmonious balance between mankind (Pawongan), the environment (Palemahan) and God Almighty (Parahyangan).