Imphal, May 21: As in other parts of the globe, lighting of candles in remembrance of 28 million lives lost to AIDS and demonstrating support to another 42 million people living with killer virus marked the 23rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, 2006 observance held at different parts of the State today.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is being observed since 1983 in response to the guiding principles of Global Health Council.

The theme for this year's observance is 'Lighting the path to a bright future'.

Manipur Network of Positive People observed the Day at Johnstone Higher Secondary School with MLA I Hemochandra as chief guest and Retd Superintendent of JN Hospital Dr P Narendra Singh as president.

SP of Imphal West District Clay Khongsai and Deputy Director of MACS Dr Kh Pramod Singh were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.

Various speakers emphasised on collective efforts in fighting the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS to humankind and the need for framing a policy on prevention of HIV/AIDS and caring for the affected.

Manipur Network of Positive People and Education and Rural Development Organisation jointly observed the Memorial Day at Sugnu Bazar MNP office with around 50 people taking part in it.

It is said upto March 2006, the number of HIV + recorded in Manipur is 22,617 including 3715 female and so far 535 people have died from HIV/AIDS.

SASO and SASEHN Forum also jointly observed the Day at Lai Eshingchaibi Lampak and released balloons in the air tagged with the names of the friends and their near and dear ones who have fallen prey to the killer virus.

People of Positive, Manipur in collaboration with Hands for Peaceful Society (HAPES) held the observance function at Hotel Excellency with Ex-MLA of Keishamthong AC L Jayenta Singh, District AIDS Officer, Imphal West Dr H Nimai Singh and Advisor NGO MACS Premjit Singh gracing as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Integrated Women and Children Development Centre, RIAC Project, Thangmeiband Yumnam Leikai in association with Awang Naharol Seva Dal, Chingmeirong Maning Leikai also observed the Day at Sinam Shyama Devi Town Hall.

Head of Department, Surgery RIMS Dr GS Moirangthem, Ng Mangi Singh and Dr H Priyobarta attended the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Project Manager of RIAC, IAC Devalaxmi, LC Somorendro, Dr Lokeshwar Singh, DAO Dr Nimaichand, NGO Advisor MACS M Premjit spoke on the topics of 'Women and HIV/AIDS', ' Youth and HIV/AIDS ',' ART', 'Services of MACS and NACO' and 'Networking and Referral' respectively as speakers during the function.

Two HIV/AIDS victims, namely Udita from MNP+ and Surjamee from Meira Women's Positive Self Help Group also gave their testimonials emphasising on the need to remove stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS patients.

As part of the observance, the Drop-in Centres of Kripa Society, RIMS Road organised a awareness programmes on HIV/AIDS by joining hands with the local populace at Singjamei Bheigyabati Leikai and Kwakeithel Takhellambam Leikai.

Volunteers of Progressive People's Organisation (PPO), Singjamei Sougrakpam Leikai conducted a wall poster campaign in connection with the observance at Khwairamband Bazar and its surrounding area.

Manipur Development Association, Konthoujam Kangjeibung Mapal observed the event at its drop-in-centre, RIAC project.

Members, staff and invitees shared their experiences and paid floral tributes to those who have lost their lives to AIDS and also lit the candles in memory of the departed souls.

You and I Network observed the day at its Singjamei Parking office with Deputy Director of ART MACS Dr A Gojen Meitei, AMUCO Advisor Th Iboyaima and MNP+ president L Deepak Singh as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Among the speakers two PLWHAs, one male and one female shared their traumatic experience and the source of courage and hope that enable them to live along with the disease during the function attended by many individuals and members of different sections of the society. At Moirang Leikoijam mandop, the event was organised under the collective effort of Lions Club, Moirang; Care Foundation; ESEWOSSA and BNP +.

The function participated by around 250 people was chaired by Lions M Jugindro Singh.

Door-to-door campaign on spreading on HIV/AIDS, talks by resource persons, distribution of nutritional and reading materials to children affected/infected by HIV/AIDS were some of the main highlights of the observance.

People's Resource Development Association, (PRDA), Bishnupur observed the Day at its office premises along with families of HIV+ people, AIDS recovered patients, NGO workers and social activists.

Senior Medical Officer Blood Bank of JN Hospital Dr Rajmani, Medical Officer CCC Bishnupur Dr Nanda Henamba, PRDA secretary L Suranjoy led the congregation in lighting the candles and standing in silence for five minutes in honour of the departed souls.

People's Welfare Association (PEWA), Khurai Chingangbam Leikai also observed the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial along with an advocacy meeting on drug abuse and HIV/AIDS with NGO Advisor (MACS) Maibam Premjit, president of Union of Social Upliftment, Khurai Thoudam Chitreshwor Singh and retd Army officer RS Jassal as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

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