Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 14:
Whether a child born to HIV positive parents is HIV positive or not, they often faces stigma and discrimination in the society, said HIV positive father Jagat.
Jagat was speaking at a function organised as a part of the World AIDS Day Campaign by the Universal Caring Mission at the conference hall of JN Hospital today.
Jagat who has been adjudged the 'best father' by the Mission said that the PPTC (Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission) programme is very beneficial to AIDS patients.
Under MACS many PPTC centres have been opened in the State.
These PPTC centres have been fairly successful in preventing HIV from HIV positive parents to their children.
Yet, these HIV free children often face stigma and discrimination just as any other HIV positive children in the society.
Such discrimination causes serious mental harassment not only to the young but also to their parents, observed Jagat.
Out of Jagat's two children born under PPTC programme, one has been confirmed HIV negative.
It is still uncertain whether his second child is HIV positive or negative.
Even as several programmes have been taken up for the HIV/AIDS victims, there is no such programme for those affected by HIV/AIDS indirectly, he lamented.
He asserted that the treatment and attitude of the society towards those affected by HIV/AIDS indirectly need to be rectified.
Today's function was attended by Superintendent of JN Hospital Dr W Motilal as chief guest and MACS deputy director S Manikanta as president.
Moreover, paediatrician Dr Raghumani, Clinton Foundation North East Programme Manager Sanatomba Meitram, PCI project co-ordinator Babita and president of Universal Caring Mission S Nando also attended the function as guests of honour.
During the function, a van service for children living with HIV was also launched.
Moreover, nurse Ngatham Memcha of JN Hospital was also conferred the UNICAM Excellence Award for Best Nursing.
The function culminated with distribution nutrition package to 50 parents living with HIV and shirts to JN Hospital staff.