Imphal, December 01, 2009: Many NGOs and social organizations observed the World AIDS Day under the theme of the year- Universal Access and Human Rights- like in other parts of the globe.

The day was observed by the Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO), Manipur Positive Women Network (MPWN), Empowerment of community for Human Education & Multitude Advancement (ECHEMA) and AID (Action & Implementation for Development), FXB India Suraksha Manipur etc.

H Kotlenphai Village Development Committee, Chandel district also observed the day.

Kuki Baptists Convention (KBC), Centre Church, Molnoi area of Chandel district observed the day in which around 200 people attended.

The programme was organized by the Village Development Committee of Kolenphai and Molnoi village and sponsored by World Vision, India, Imphal ADP.

MLA Thangkholun Haokip and Dr Shalemi, programme manager, Imphal ADP graced the function as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Thangkholun encouraged the move of the organizer holding the function on Moreh Line.

He said "Once we are sensitized through workshop and seminar on HIV/AIDS we must not scare of the disease and discriminate those who are living with HIV and AIDS.

He also encouraged the congregation to spread the knowledge of HIV and AIDS.

Dr Shalemi, programme manager urged churches and community base organization (CBOs) to address the issue in a grass root level.

SASO observed the day at Kuki Inn, Imphal with prof Th Bimo of RIMS, M Ranjana, ICDS programme officer, L Abhiram, joint director MACS, Y Rupachandra, News Editor of ISTV as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

In his key note address Y Shasikumar, general secretary highlighted the importance of Universal Acess to HIV prevention, treatment and care and protection of human rights.

SASO is observing to bring an enabling environment for universal access and human rights by involving the PLHIV community and their families in a larger way to advocate various issues in collective approach, he said.

MPWN+ observed the 22nd World AIDS Day, promoting the theme "Universal Access and Human Rights" with the slogan "Stop AIDS Keep the Promise" at Wangkhei YVO ground in Imphal east.

ECHEMA and AID also jointly organized the observation function with Ng Nongyai, Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission, N Ibungochoubi, Journalist, and prof W Nabachandra, department of Anthropology and director for Centre for Centre for Myanmaries studies, MU graced the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour requested.

Experts in the field of HIV, drug and AIDS such Kh Basanta and Sukumar were the resource persons of the observation.

The main highlight of the function organized by the FXB India Suraksha, Manipur organized at its office complex at Singjamei Chongtham Leikai was distribution of prize and gifts to the winners of the painting competition and other outstanding achievers of FXB village, Manipur, candle light vigil.

Th Iboyaima-father of social work, S Medini-advisor Nupilal Ningsing Lamjel, N Kapoor-coordinator of Korean Studies and N Inaocha graced the function as chief guest and guest of honour which was presided over by RK Tampaksana-president of Apunba Lup.

Comment