State joins in global observance of World AIDS Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 01 2009: As in other part of the globe, World AIDS Day, 2009 was observed under the theme of 'Universal access and human rights' in different parts of the State today.

At the State level, the observance was organised under the aegis of Manipur State AIDS Control Society at the parade ground of Ist battalion Manipur Rifles here.

Marking the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day, five mobile Integrated Counselling Testing Centre vans were launched for better coverage of HIV testing services in the hill districts of the State and bicycles were distributed among the ASHAs for better deliverance of their services to the people in the remote areas at the occasion.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh were respectively chief guest and president of the observance function which was also attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat and Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly and Chairman of Manipur Legislators' Forum on AIDS Dr S Budhichandra as guests of honour.

Other Ministers of the SPF Government were also present at the occasion.

In his address, Governor Gurbachan Jagat noted that the strength of a nation depends on the health of its people but HIV/AIDS has become a global health problem and the future of 'our young people is at stake due to the threat of HIV/AIDS pandemic'.

As there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, we should take up massive preventive and control measures, he stated.

Guv Gurbachan Jagat and CM O Ibobi at the launch of mobile ICTC vans on World AIDS Day

The Governor further pointed out that today the whole world is making strategies to check the spread of HIV but the startling fact is that majority of new infections occur in the most sexually active and highly productive age group of 15 to 49 years.

It is also all the more saddening that women constitute a large portion of those infected and there is a rise in parent to child transmission.

Expressing concern that HIV/AIDS has emerged as a new and serious public emergency in Manipur, the Governor observed that since the first positive case in the State was reported in February, 1990 from among the blood samples of a cluster of Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) collected during October, 1989.The cummulative reported number of HIV positives in Manipur till September 2009 is 33,408 out of 3,38,203 blood samples tested.

This includes 8701 female HIV positives and the number of reported AIDS cases is 4363 and that of death recorded so far is 625 .

In his presidential address, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh called for the support of the NGOs, media and the public in the ongoing efforts of the Government to control spread of HIV.

Without a concerted effort, total eradication of HIV/AIDS would be impossible.

Even if the HIV infection at the average of 2 percent out of every 100 people has come down to 1.3, we should not remain contented until Manipur is made an AIDS free society, he exhorted.

Announcing some of the measures to be taken up by the Government in this regard, the Chief Minister assured that efforts would be made by the Manipur Legislators' Forum in consultation with legal experts to see whether new laws could be enacted to help in fighting against spread of HIV.

Steps would also be taken up for free and compulsory blood testing of all the people in every Assembly Constituencies.

Over and above the funding from NACO, the State Government would also ensure earmarking of fund in its budgetary allocation, the Chief Minister assured.

Before the commencement of the observance function, cycle rallies that have been flagged off from different parts arrived at the parade ground of Ist MR.Dignitaries of the function also went around to inspect around 10 stalls put up displaying various products made by Self Help Groups (SHGs) of HIV positive people.

Afterward the chief guest and the functional president launched five mobile Integrated Counselling Testing Centre vans for better coverage of HIV testing services in the hill districts and distributed bicycles among the ASHAs for better deliverance of their services to the people in the remote areas of the State.

Apart from distributing prizes to the winners of different competitions organised in connection with World AIDS Day observance, the Chief Minister also presented shawls to Waikhom Monalisa of Wangkhei Lourembam Leikai who inspite of her physical handicap has donated blood 8 times nd to Kh Premjit of Lamdeng Khunou who donated blood 34 times inspite of his blindness.

The World AIDS Day was also observed under the theme of 'Universal acccess and human rights' at Grace BHavan, Motbung with Dr Kumud Singh, wife of CO 36 AR Col Dushyant as chief guest.

The event was organised jointly by MIMSARC HIV/AIDS Patients Care, Motbung; District AIDS Prevention Control Committee, Senapati and Bridge Hope, Kanglatongbi Project Centre.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Kumud stressed on collective effort towards fighting spread of HIV since there is still no cure for this disease.

Dr Major Lhoujem of 36 AR and State Manager of Bridge of Hope, Manipur Dr Thathang Vaiphei were among the resource persons who delivered lectures at the occasion.

Besides distributing pamphlets of MACS among the people, a public rally was also taken out from Grace Bhavan to Forest beat, Motbung to mark the occasion.

The rally was flagged off the chief guest of the function.