The Ambuja Cement Foundation has addressed a significant health challenge faced by truck drivers through a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, with support from Apollo Tyres Foundation. Their efforts, from problem identification to project execution, have instilled true meaning in the realm of CSR.
This case study outlines how a critical issue was effectively tackled through targeted intervention.
The Challenge:
The Dhulagarh Truck Terminal near Kolkata sees approximately 6,000 trucks each day, offering drivers a place to rest before entering the city. With Kolkata experiencing the movement of up to 50,000 trucks daily, the long hours and challenging conditions have raised significant concerns regarding the physical and mental health of truckers.
A serious health issue is the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among truck drivers, driven by frequent interaction with Commercial Sex Workers and low condom usage.
Project Overview
The Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF), a key player in the heavy industry, partnered with Apollo Tyres Foundation to create a Health Care Centre designed to address truckers’ health issues, leveraging support through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Implementation of CSR
The Health Care Centre was established in 2009 at the Dhulagarh Truck Terminal, providing various health services including the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. The centre also promotes awareness of vision care, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension among truckers.
Given that many health issues require changes in behavior and lifestyle, the program emphasizes Behaviour Change Communication through engaging activities like puppet shows and information stalls aimed at educating truckers on better health management.
On-the-Ground Results
– 81,388 truckers received counseling
– 464,975 truckers reached
– 43,990 truckers tested for HIV
– 259 truckers diagnosed with HIV were referred for treatment
– 872,575 condoms distributed through campaigns
Impact of CSR
The efforts of ACF and Apollo Tyres Foundation have begun to yield positive results, with patient visits to the clinic increasing from 2,704 in 2009-10 to 6,262 in 2018-19. The rate of sexually transmitted infections among visitors dropped from 30.47% to 2.85%, aided by condom sales rising significantly from 7,814 in 2009-10 to 30,500 in 2018-19. Encouraged by this success, the program has expanded to other regions such as Surat, Farakka, and Nalagarh where truck traffic is high.
(Note: Information sourced from Ambuja Cement Foundation)
