Workshop on HIV policy kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 07, 2011:
A two day State level workshop on national policy framework for children affected by HIV was opened today at Hotel Classic here under the aegis of the Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS).
The opening function was graced by HIV/AIDS specialist of UNICEF New Delhi office Dr Sonia Trikha, MACS Project Director Pradipkumar Jha and HIV/AIDS specialist of UNICEF Guwahati office Upasana Varu as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Sonia Trikha said that a national policy framework for children and AIDS was set up in 2007 according to which all people not older than 18 years are categorised as children.
She said that a national policy framework for children affected by HIV/AIDS and children who have lost their both parents due to AIDS has been formulated.
Pradipkumar Jha said that the national policy framework is aimed at ensuring full rights to all children affected by HIV and to check infection by HIV among children.
He also invited civil society leaders to take part in the workshop and share their views and thoughts.
MACS Deputy Director (Care and Support) Ng Hemanta said that 36,854 people have been infected by HIV in Manipur till October 2010.Out of them, 9904 are women and 2532 children.
A policy for children affected by HIV is needed in order to ensure proper education and nutrition to these children and also to reduce stigma and discrimination being faced by them, Dr Hemanta said.