Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10:
To combat spread of HIV/AIDS disease in Manipur, USA-based Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has started taking first phase of its 'Project Orchid' at Ukhrul, Chandel and Bishnupur districts, said official source.
Implementation of the project would spread over five years and it commenced in the three districts following green signal of the State Government for the first year, the source added.
The Project is being implemented jointly by Emmanuel Hospitals Association of India and Australia International Health Institute, both operating under the Foundation's India-based office/organisation, Abahan-AIDS India Initiative, the source said.
Emmanuel Hospitals Association of India would look into the organisational works and Australian institute take care of technical aspects, the source disclosed.
A joint meeting attended by Director of Abahan-AIDS India Initiative Dr Ashok Alexander, State Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh and Commissioner (Health) was held recently and formed a State Co-ordination Committee with the Chief Secretary as its chairman.
Representatives of the Foundation are presently in the State capital and selection of NGOs for implementation of the project are underway, according to the source.
In the first phase, Project Orchid would give more stress on curbing spread of HIV/AIDS among Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs), awareness among sex workers and providing training to officials of Primary Health Centres as capacity building measures.
It may be noted here that the Foundation owned by Microsoft Chief Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates, had announced a grant of 5 million US Dollar for implementation of the project in Manipur and Nagaland.