State observes Candle light memorial day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May17 2009: Joining in the largest ever global grassroots AIDS event, the 26th International AIDS Candle Light Memorial was observed in different parts of State today.

Starting from 1983, the third Sunday of May every year is being observed as the International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day under various themes to commemorate the lives lost to AIDS, demonstrate support for people living with HIV/AIDS and to mobilise community based response to HIV/AIDS.

The theme for this year's International AIDS Candle Light Memorial is 'Together, we are the solution' and more than 3000 communities in 115 countries observed the day, making it the largest grass-roots AIDS event ever.

Manipur State AIDS Control Society and Manipur Network of Positive People jointly observed the day at MDU Hall here along with lighting candles in memory of all those who have lost their lives to AIDS.

Candles being lit up in memory of the lives lost to HIV/AIDS on the occasion of 26th International AIDS Candle light Memorial Day

Health Commissioner V Vumlunmang and treasurer of Manipur Network of Positive People L Deban Singh were respectively chief guest and president of the function which was also attended by Project Director (Technical) of MACS Dr Kh Pramodkumar, Nodal Officer of ART Centre, JN Hospital Porompat Dr K Priyokumar and president of ISTV cable network Kh Kuleshore as guests of honour.

Delivering the key note address of the observance, president of Manipur Network of Positive People L Deepak explained that the underlining message in organising International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day is to remember all those who have lost their lives to AIDS, extend support to people living with HIV/AIDS and mobilise community support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dwelling on the theme of observance, Deepak said in order to control spread of HIV/AIDS, co-operation of every section of the society is essential.

In his address as chief guest of the function, V Vumlunmang pointed out that inspite of setting up various testing centres, the number of people coming to voluntarily test their HIV status is still very low.

So MACS would be working towards encouraging the people to know their HIV status voluntarily.

He also assured that MACS would look into what else could be done to stop HIV-Hepatitis C co-infection and ensure the requirements for harm reduction.

Speaking as one of the guests of honour, Dr Kh Pramodkumar expressed concern over cases of HIV infection increasing at an alarming rate in Manipur.

Around 2000 people are being infected every year, he informed the gathering and added that although MACS can ensure the medical care of the people living with HIV/AIDS in Manipur with support from NACO, it could do nothing precious with regard to social and economic needs of the affected women and children in the general population.

Nonetheless, MACS has been initiating with other departments like Social Welfare, Education, etc to work together in this regard, he said, adding that under such a collaboration nutritional support is being extended to children between the age group of zero to six years under ICDS.

Dr Pramodkumar further said that just like the public demand for making education a free zone, it is high time for the people to raise their voice for making medical as well as a free zone.

Because smooth delivery of medical services in the State has seriously affected following undue demands, pressures and interference from various groups.

Although it is said that there are an estimated number of 30,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Manipur today, the number of patients admitted in various ARC centres is around 15,000 only.

This shows that another 15,000 patients are still hiding and their issue should not be taken lightly, De Pramodkumar said.

In his address, Kh Kuleshore lamented that lack of concern on the part of the political leaders and Ministers who are supposed to frame policies and programmes on containment of HIV/AIDS over the issue is really unfortunate.

He also called upon all the people to join hands together in finding a solution to the problem.

In fond memory of the millions of lives lost to the global pandemic, Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO) also observed 26th International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day at Uripok Bachaspati Leikai ground with SASO president K Birjit, Senior Medical Officer of JN Hospital Dr Lokeshor Singh and chief editor of Hueiyen Lanpao Ratan Luwang as functional president, chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

The observance commenced at 3 pm during which the dignitaries shared their opinions as well as views on the issue and its solution and concluded at 6 pm with lighting of candles in honour and memory of the lives lost to HIV/AIDS as well as those living with the virus.

The 26th International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day was also observed at Malem Ema Community hall at Thangmeiband Yumnam Leikai, Imphal under the aegis of Integrated Women and Children Development (IWCDC).

At the occasion, Nutritionist of JN Hospital Dr Bembem spoke on the nutritional needs of the PLHIV, IWCDC staff L Biroja on the theme of the observance and Malem Ema Community Hall member Laxman on the issue of HIV/AIDS in Manipur.

Nutritional supports were also distributed among the ART female patients of IWCDC at the occasion.

On the other hand, in connection with the observance, Manipur Legislators' Forum on HIV/AIDS organised a State level spot painting competition on the theme of 'Together, we are the solution' at CC Higher Secondary School today.

At night candles were also lit at the premises of Manipur Legislative Assembly to mark the occasion.