Imphal, October 03: Stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS would disappear automatically only after HIV/AIDS infected patients come out in the open with a clear understanding of the disease, Ng Ratan, a HIV positive patient has stated.

Speaking on the role of PLWHIVs' network during the inaugural function of the two-day long Leaders' meet on HIV/AIDS Law, Ethics and Human Rights held at the conference hall of Voluntary Village Development, Ukhrul yesterday, Ng Ratan, secy of MNP+, said HIV infected people have a greater role to play in spreading the virus.

HIV positive person or any person who suspect that he/she might have been exposed to the killer virus should not remain quiet fearing the social stigma and discrimination.

As long as such people remain closeted , the social stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS patients would increase and the possibility of spreading the virus from one person to another is very high in such a situation, explained Ratan, who himself has been living with the killer virus in his body system for the last 12 years.

It would also help in understanding the problems being faced by the HIV/AIDS patients by the people living in the society, he pointed out.

Ratan expressed concern that although the problem of HIV/AIDS is grave in Ukhrul, the number of people who have tested their blood is very low.

Moreover, it is the womenfolk of the district who have been in the forefront of fighting against the menace, he said, adding that although the efforts being made by the womenfolk is appreciable, it is time for the menfolk and especially the HIV positive patients to come out and joined hands with the womenfolk in containing the problem.

Participating in the Meet organised by Manipur State AIDS Control (MACS) as one of the resource persons, Project Director of MACS Dr Kh Pramodkumar Singh who spoke on the situation of the HIV/AIDS problem in Ukhrul pointed out that out of 3,244 people of the district who have undergone blood test so far 1000 of them have confirmed to be HIV positive.

Pramodkumar said three VCCTC centres where any person can voluntarily tested their blood for HIV have been opened in Ukhrul district so far.

The facilities for PPTCT (Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission) are also available in these three centres.

The facilities for ART (Ant-Retro viral Therapy) treatment would also be made available at Ukhrul district headquarters with the target of covering 300 patients initially, he disclosed.

Another resource person Dr Manikanta observed that social ostracism against Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs), Drug addicts, MSMs, etc who are considered to be high risk groups of spreading HIV/AIDS would not help in containing the problem of HIV/AIDS.

Rather it would inadvertently help in spreading the disease.

So the best approach to deal with them to made them understand the problem and help in changing their behavioural pattern.

Convenor of Law, Ethics and Human Rights on HIV/AIDS Sushil Huidrom said although there is no related Act or legal provisions,still HIV infected persons can take help from legal court if their rights are either violated or denied on the basis of their HIV status.

District AIDS Officer, Ukhrul Dr Ask Felix also spoke on the topic of 'Role of District AIDS Committee' at the occasion.

The Leader' meet concluded today with discussion session on the role of womenfolk and church leaders in mitigating the problem of HIV/AIDS in Ukhrul district.

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