State joins 'Promise' slogan on World AIDS Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 01: As in other parts of the world, the World AIDS Day was also observed in the State with the main function held at THAU ground under the aegis of the Manipur AIDS Control Society today.

The function organised under the theme 'Leadership' with the slogan, "Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise" was attended by Governor Dr SS Sidhu, Chief Minister O Ibobi and Speaker Dr S Budhichandra as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Addressing the gathering, Dr SS Sidhu stressed on the significance of this year's World AIDS Day theme 'Leadership'.

It underscores the importance of Govt leadership and efficient policy makers in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Moreover, this year's theme reflects the necessity of all people including those living with HIV/AIDS to act as responsible leaders in the fight against the pandemic, noted Dr Sidhu.

A rally taken out on the occasion of World AIDS Day in Imphal, Saturday

Of the total number of HIV positive people in the State, 45 percent is constituted by people in the age group of 21 to 30 years while 6 percent is constituted by children between 0 to 10 years, he said while asserting that the strength of a Nation depends on the health of its citizens.

As healthy people make a healthy Nation, HIV/AIDS is no longer a public health issue, it has become a socio-economic and developmental concern, he said.

He also assured to consult NACO on treatment measures of HIV+ people infected by Hepatitis C.In his speech, Chief Minister O Ibobi observed that all the people need to have strong commitment in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

He remarked that organising awareness and intervention programmes and implementing certain projects would not suffice in containing the dreaded disease.

He observed that the number of HIV infected people has been increasing in hill districts, particularly in Ukhrul and Churachandpur.

Most unfortunately, children and women are becoming more and more vulnerable to the disease, he rued.

The Manipur AIDS Policy was adopted in 1996 with due emphasis on injecting drug users those with risk behaviours.

However, today more and more innocent and children are falling prey to HIV.

As such, the Policy needs to shift its focus to women and children, noted the Chief Minister.

Asserting that the existing Policy needs amendment, Ibobi called upon concerned Ministers, officers and experts to make collective efforts with firm commitment to battle the disease.

During the function, Dr Sidhu distributed prizes to the winners of the debate and painting competitions organised by MSF, AMSU and MACS.

Interestingly, out of 2,21,119 blood samples screened this year, 29,961 people were found to be HIV positive.

Of these, women constitute 7,106.The total number of people confirmed to be suffering from AIDS is 4,158. The World AIDS Day was also observed by the Resource Centre for Social Welfare and Community Development (RC-SWACD) at different places of Chandel and Thoubal district with the help of its singing mobile teams, conveyed a release.

The World AIDS Day was also jointly observed by the AMADA and USER Manipur at the former's head office at Keishampat Leisom Leirak.

Among others, the function was attended by Education Minister L Jayantakumar, AMADA president L Tomba and former Project Director of MACS Dr Kh Pramodkumar, Ksh Basanta of USER Manipur and H Dinesh of Kripa Society as presidium members.

The observance culminated with the submission of a memorandum to the Education Minister by USER Manipur and AMADA.

At Jiribam too, the World AIDS Day was observed at two different places.

The first one was held at Jiribam Town Hall under the joint aegis of the 5 Assam Rifles and New Incarnation Centre and the Child Welfare Ashram.

A free medical camp was the main feature of the observance.

It is reported that 5 AR distributed medicines worth Rs 50,000 free of cost to the needy patients.

The Child Welfare Ashram and the Tipaimukh Tribal Economic and Environment Development Services also observed World AIDS Day at Champanagar community hall, Jiri.

A cycle rally was also held to mark the occasion, reports our Jiribam correspondent.

Meanwhile, Lions Club of Leimarol Imphal, Progressive People's Organisation (Singjamei), Community Care Centre (BPR), Manipur Intravenous League, RIMS, Group Centre CRPF, 27 Sector Assam Rifles, Echema, Kripa Society, DC Office Imphal East, RC SWACD also observed the day.

The day was also observed at the other dists.