Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 10:
Expressing deep concern over the threat posed by HIV/AIDS to human life, Health and Family Welfare Minister L Nandakumar has called for a concerted effort to spread awareness and fight the disease.
Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of the two-day orientation workshop for prevention of AIDS at the Palace Compound office auditorium of Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, NE Region, Nandakumar said HIV/AIDS is becoming a serious health problem for mankind all over.
The rate at which the virus is spreading among the people of Manipur is indeed alarming, the Minister said, while observing that although 18000 people out of the total 24 lakhs population in Manipur have been confirmed of HIV positive after testing, there might be more such cases among those who have not yet undergone HIV/AIDS test.
Out of the 18000 confirmed cases of HIV infection, 3000 have developed AIDS, the Minister further pointed out.
Even if there is no medicine to cure HIV/AIDS as of now, the Health Minister was hopeful that it might be produced in the future as medical scientists in many developed countries in the world are tirelessly working to find a cure for HIV/AIDS infection.
As there is no cure for HIV/AIDS till date, prevention is the best way to free oneself from becoming victims to the deadly virus, the Health Minister further observed.
Medicines like ART are being made available to the HIV/AIDS infected patients under the programmes of NACO, he added.