Imphal, March 30 2009: Three documentary films produced by the Overcoming Stigma & Discrimination (OSD) Project with the support of AVAHAN with the objective of reducing the social stigma and discrimination attached to people living with HIV were released during a function at Manipur Press Club here today.

Project Director of Manipur State AIDS Control Society Dr Kh Pramodkumar released the three documentary films titled 'Roshni' directed by Boby Wahengbam, 'Singnaba' (Challenge) directed by B Sanzu and 'My Story (You and Me)' directed by Ronel Haobam.

Speaking at the occasion, Pramodkumar spointed out that although 99 percent of the population in Manipur have heard about HIV in accordance to the report of the National Family Health Survey Phase-III, the percent of the population who have comprehensive knowledge about HIV is just 45 to 50 .

Moreover, inspite of the awareness and the treatment programmes being taken up, the stigma and discrimination against the people living with HIV in the society has not been able to overcome.

So various campaigns and different methods should be adopted to effectively communicate with the people for overcoming stigma and discrimination, he said, while hoping that the three documentary films being released today would be able to help in this regard.

Dr Pramodkumar also cautioned that risk of HIV among the general population in Manipur would increase as around 200 to 300 HIV positive pregnant mothers are delivering their children every year in Manipur.

Roshni, K Pradipkumar and Shanring who are respectively protagonists in the three documentary films which were released today were also present at the occasion.

According to Shanring, who hails from Chandel district, many people who are living with HIV are not being able to come out fearing stigma and discrimination.

So efforts should be made to bring out these people and help in fighting against the HIV jointly.

Pradipkumar observed that the number of people who have lost their lives from stigma and discrimination may be more that actual number of people who have died from HIV/AIDS.

We should challenge HIV and give up the notion of stigma and discrimination.

Consultation held: A one-day State level consultation on 'Children and AIDS Policy Framework' was organised under the aegis of Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO) at State Guest House here today.

For the welfare of the children affected with HIV/AIDS, the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) had worked out the Children and AIDS Policy Framework on July 31, 2007 .

The Policy Framework envisaged to ensure adequate medical treatment , education, nutritional support and safe environment for HIV affected children.

The consultation was held with Project Director of MACS Dr Kh Pramodkumar and Director of Social Welfare Department Sharat Sharma as presidium members.

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