According to available data, at least 1600 workers in the railways in Mumbai are infected with HIV, and a rise of over 7 per cent in the number is seen every year.

According to Ajay Singh, divisional secretary of WRMS, as many as 700 workers in the Western Railway and more than 900 in the Central Railway are HIV positive. Singh said that the infection is prevalent mostly among drivers, guard drivers and the men and women handling shops and railway canteens.

“People working late night in canteens and drivers who do not have their families here are more prone to HIV.”

Apart from several medical officers and volunteers from Maitri, an NGO, the WRMS is expecting a crowd of over 100 railway workers in the camp. They would not just get an opportunity to interact with individuals who are HIV positive and share their experiences and problems, but would also see a film on the subject.

“We have invited a lady volunteer who is HIV positive. She would discuss the problems with the workers,” says Singh.

“The function will be from 10:30 am to 5 pm. But later, the volunteers and railway workers will carry out the sessions in their respective departments to counsel their peers who did not turn up,” said Singh.