Moreh, December 02: Emphasising on understanding sentiment of persons affected by AIDS, calls for relentless awareness campaigns on the disease and shaking off inhibition concerning use of condoms to prevent transmission of the disease marked the World AIDS Day observance held at Moreh yesterday.

The observation was jointly organised by Moreh-based Dedicated People's Union, Centre for Social Development and Care Me Group at the Kondong Lairembi Mandop with Second-in-Command of 24 Assam Rifles Lt Col Salim and Officer-in-Charge of Moreh police station W Nongyai as the chief guest and functional president respectively.

In his address Lt Col Salim called upon the general public to accord due respect to the HIV/AIDS affected persons as such healthy outlook would encourage the infected ones to boldly shed their negative attitude to life.

Under no circumstances should the HIV/AIDS patients feel ostracised by the society, said the chief guest who also cautioned that Moreh being a commercial centre all necessary preventive measures need be taken as negligence on any aspect would only aggravate the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the State.

With harmful drugs easily accessible at low price and physical intimacy with commercial sex workers a great cause of concern due to Moreh's close affinity with the international border there is utmost need to create awareness on harmful effects of drug abuse and randomly promote use of condoms, said the Lt Col who also advocated proper education to the youngsters on the issue.

He reiterated that in addition to ensuring affordable medical facilities in the border town abundant care and love have to be showered upon the affected persons to enable them come out of the shell in accessing medical treatment.

Presenting the presidential speech, W Nongyai elaborated on HIV/AIDS scenario and stressed on intense campaigns with the participation of all section of the society.

noting trend on spread of HIV/AIDS transmission through sexual contact the OC said through proper education, menace of HIV/AIDS could be contained to a great extent.

He also called upon all concerned to handle the issue with utmost care as the affected persons are highly emotional and need support of the general public to either kick off their drug habit or step into rehabilitation rigours.

The observance participated by representatives of various communities settling in Moreh was graced by the presence of presidents of Meetei Council Moreh L Imobi Singh, Meetei Muslim Council Moreh Nahamacha and Tamil Sangam KBS Maniam as the guests of honour with Moreh SDC Ph Ibohal Singh as the special guest.

Medical Officers of Moreh Hospital S Priyokumar Singh and Community Care Centre (Moreh) T Joykumar spoke on the occasion as resource persons.

Prior to the formal observation of the World AIDS Day a minute's silence was observed in memory of those who fell victim to AIDS.

Distribution of prizes to position winners of a quiz competition on HIV/AIDS was the other highlight of the observation.

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