Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 12:
A one day HIV/AIDS awareness programme jointly initiated by the United Nations AIDS and Manipur Legislature Forum was held at Shamurou Kangjeibung today with speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Dr S Budhichandra as the chief guest.
MLAs of Sekmai AC H Borajao and Wangoi's Salam Joy presided the awareness programme hosted by Social Development Club, Shamurou during which former NACO consultant Dr Khomdon Lisam expressed deep concern that in the global context high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state had been gradually over shadowing Manipur's rich art and culture apart from dimming achievement of sportspersons.
In his brief address, Dr Budhichandra cited formation of the Manipur Legislature Forum in consonant with a Parliamentary decision and constitution of similar Forum to actively involve elected representatives in the battle against HIV/AIDS scourge.
While Salam Joy called upon the people to be cautious and pious in everything they do to promote a healthy society, he also expressed strong desire that irrespective of faith and societal position people of all section of the society need to contribute their mite and checking advances of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each to 11 widows of Wangoi AC and five bundles each of GI sheets to five individuals of the AC were also distributed by the three legislators.
The assistance were respectively extended under the Family Benefit Scheme and Indira Awaj Yojna.