MNP+ urges for PLHIV DICs
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 15 2011:
The general secretary of Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+), Salam Udita Devi has appealed the authority concerned to initiate drop-in-centres with adequate infrastructures under Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) in every districts of the State.
Speaking in a get-together organised by MNP+ under the aegis of MACS for people living with HIV, Udita Devi said that as HIV epidemic is being considered as a serious public health issue, every districts should have PLHIV specific DICs.
As of now, four DICs are being opened at Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Ukhrul districts under MACS without enough infrastructures, she added.
She further maintained that medicines for the treatment of opportunistic infections and other care support initiatives are also not available in the existing DICs.
Despite having doctors, the DICs were managed by four outreach workers and two counsellors.
Highlighting the issues faced by PLHIVs in regard to accessibility of needed services, she said that the State should take due responsibility and necessary initiatives to tackle the issue effectively without waiting for external aids.
In his speech, Abhiram Mongjam, Deputy Director MACS highlighted the possibility of stratigising peer counselling among children living with HIV through local NGOs.
Organised at the conference hall of MACS, Dr Romila Devi spoke on the outreach initiative taken up by MACS for providing information on available Government schemes to the Peoples living with HIV.