Convention on HIV & AIDS held; 192 cases of HIV detected in a months time
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 28 2011:
A One Day Constituency Level Convention on HIV&AIDS organized by the Manipur Legislators' Forum on HIV & AIDS (MLFA) was held at Nepra Menjor Community Hall, Sagolband Nepra Menjor Leikai today.
Speaking on the occasion as the President of the function, MLA Dr Kh Loken who is also the Chairman of PDA said that the widows of his constituency will be given financial support in almost all respects.
A welfare programme will be taken up exclusively for them.
For this an amount of Rs 70,000 is already with the Sagolband Kendra Development Committee.
The numbers of widows will be found out and additional financial help required will be sanctioned from his side.
Abhiram Mongjam, Joint Director, MACS, speaking as resource person, said that last month a total of 7432 persons were tested for HIV.
Among them 192 of whom 10 were pregnant women were reported to be positive.
As a result of the enrollment of ART in various ART centers in the state the death rate among HIV+ persons has decreased.
He further said that various women organizations in the state needs to come up if HIV & AIDS is to be prevented from further spreading.
MLA Dr I Ibohalbi who is also the Secretary of MLFA said that the HIV & AIDS issue is a challenging issue in the state.
The rate at which the HIV & AIDS is increasing in the state, although cannot be termed as alarming, yet is still high.
This is mainly because of the ignorance on the part of the general public.
He further clarified all doubts of the public that there is no political agenda in organizing this convention.
Sushil Huidrom, State Co Ordinator of UNAIDS stressed on the point for setting up of MLFA.
He said that around 50 such conventions have been organized so far.
Speaker I Hemochandra graced the function as Chief Guest.