Imphal, Jun 20: While stating that social stigma and discrimiantion attached to the HIV/AIDS patients in Manipuri society should be viewed as another form of human rights violation of the affected people, Health and Social Welfare Minister DK Korungthang has upon all the people to work toward removing this social stigma and discrimination.

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural of the 2nd day session of the three-day long State level Consultation of Childrens, NGOs and GOs to review care an support programme for children afflicted by HIV/AIDS at the conference hall of the State Youth Centre, Khuman Lampak here today, the Minister observed that the problem of HIV/AIDS in Manipur is indeed very grave.

The Minister pointed out that there are record 22,857 HIV positive people in Manipur out of which 4880 are women and 3758 are children, and so far 541 people have died from AIDS.

Besides this, there are also many unreported cases, the Minister added.

In his presidential address, Commissioner of Health LP Golmei emphasised on the role of information, education and communication in preventing spread of HIV/AIDS.

Project Director of MACS Dr H priyokumar, Joint Director of WCD Division of SW Sharat Sharma, Programme Officer of UNODC, Shillong Dr Joyce Angami and Consultant UNICEF, India Mini Bhaskar also graced the function as guests of honour.

Consultation is being organised jointly by UNICEF India, Manipur State AIDS Control Society and Integreted Womn and Child Development Centre, Thangmeibband Yumnam Leikai.


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