Imphal, September 27: It is good news for the people of Manipur and the HIV/AIDS affected people in particular.

The Nobel prize winning International aid agency, Medicines Sans Frontieres (MSF) has taken up steps to provide AIDS treatment as part of its routine health care activities in Manipur.

Known in English as Doctors Without Borders, the Dutch section of the organisation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Manipur AIDS Control Society and obtained from Manipur State authorities to include HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in its existing primary health programmes.

In Churachandpur district, the aid organisation would be opening a treatment facility for the general diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

Following its principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence, the clinics of MSF/Doctors Without Borders will offer testing services, prevention, counselling, care and anti-retroviral treatment.

�It is our intention to support the existing HIV/AIDS activities in Churachandpur district� said Ria Temmerman, project co-ordinator of MSF.

�With the support of the State AIDS Control Society, an active local society and People Living With HIV/AIDS networks much has been done in the area of prevention and education.

However, treatment and testing facilities are still insufficient and MSF would like to cover this part of the gap�, she pointed out.

Figures from Manipur AIDS State Control Society indicates that thousands of patients are in need of immediate treatment, which is minimally available in the conflict plagued State, quoted a report of the MSF.

MSF/Doctors Without Borders will continue to provide basic health services, including the mothers to children transmission, in four clinics with the aim to expand its activities to other rural areas in Manipur State.

�Due to the law and order situation, many rural health facilities are in a vulnerable state�, Temmerman said, adding that �MSF/Doctors Without Borders has visited parts of the most vulnerable areas and supported the populations living there.

But much more medical support is needed�.

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