Governor stresses role of women in fighting HIV/AIDS
Some anti-social elements are indulging in drug trafficking: CM N Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, December 01 2022:
The state level World AIDS Day-2022 was observed on Thursday at 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground here with Governor La Ganesan, chief minister N Biren, Health minister Dr S Ranjan, ministers, MLAs, officials, NGOs and people from across the state in attendance.
Speaking as chief guest, Governor Ganesan stressed that it is the responsibility of the society at large, particularly women, to have a greater involvement in the fight against HIV and AIDS to safeguard the future of the state.
He said, HIV and AIDS issue is no longer a mere health issue as it covers all aspects of life - social, economic, legal, human rights and even political.
The all-out and concerted efforts of the health officials and concerned activists of the state will not be sufficient in tackling this issue, he said while highlighting the need for civil societies to take active part in it.
Appreciating the role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and agencies during the last two decades in providing preventive services and care to the people, Ganesan acknowledged that without the pro-active involvement of NGOs, the situation would have been far worse.
He further said that Manipur was the first and only state in India to have a State AIDS Policy as early as 1996.Experts and intellectuals in this field shall give their suggestions and will be of immense help to the society in mitigating the menace of HIV and AIDs in the state, he maintained and also appealed to the young people, particularly women to become more aware of HIV and AIDS issues and also to participate actively in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
As a part of the observance, the Governor also launched HIV / Syphillis dual screening in "Chief Minister's Health for All" Scheme and handed over testing kit to the state nodal officer during the same event.
Speaking at the event, CM Bi-ren pointed out that it is not to celebrate the day but to raise concern among ourselves on how our future would be.
He said the state has been facing HIV/AIDS with the support from all quarters.
Though, the rate of infection has relatively been down, efforts should be made to make the people aware on how we can fight the dreaded disease and further stressed that everybody should be very serious in fighting the disease and take good care of people living with HIV/AIDS.
While noting increasing number of injecting drug users especially among the youngsters, the CM said it is a matter of serious concern and all should join hands to stop such acts.
Expressing concern about the increasing number of drug cases in the state, he said, some anti-social elements are indulging in drug trafficking and government would not tolerate such act.
All those who are involved in the act will not be spared, he affirmed.
CM Biren continued that door-to-door checking of HIV/AIDS will be conducted under the Chief Minister's Health for All Scheme and appealed people to join hands in the efforts to fight HIV/AIDS..
Health Minister Dr S Ranjan also spoke on the importance of greater awareness and coordination among all stakeholders to wipe out HIV/AIDS from the state.
The Governor and the CM also visited the stalls opened by the Self Help Groups.
Five targeted intervention NGOs were also felicitated during the observance.