Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 07, 2009:
The 2nd state level Exposition 2009, "Access to Care & Treatment (ACT) � Round 4 Global Fund Project" with the theme "Promoting Economic Empowerment", a three day long programme commenced today at Hotel Tampha, Imphal.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the exposition, project director (Technical), Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS) Dr Kh Pramodkumar has appeal to the people not to conceal if they suspect of HIV positive stating that if found positive they can take the advantage of free anti retroviral therapy (ART) from any centre.
The programme was organized by Population Foundation of India (PFI), Manipur in consultation with Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS Manipur (NPM).
The objective of the exposition is to address the need of economic empowerment among 'people living with HIV' (PLHIV) with at least ten PLHIV from each 'service delivery points' (SDPs) of the state participating in the event.
The exposition aimed at providing a platform to PLHIV by sharing their experiences, exhibiting talents and capacity of performing activities.
It also targeted to capacitate the concept of living with HIV, educate on various income generation activities, enhance and develop networking & referral linkages and sensitize government machinery and pressure groups about the PLHIV issues.
During the three days exposition activities like capacity building session on government schemes and facilities; exhibition of income generation activities/products/stalls to market their products; competition among different DLNs (for best positive speaker, best self help group etc.); competition among PLHIV groups for recreational activities like songs, role-plays, painting, quiz & other indoor games of indigenous type, IEC display of HIV prevention, treatment, education, care and support, legal issues of PLHA, various governmental welfare schemes and programmes, interaction between PLHIV and renowned personalities, medical fraternity, government officials, media, entrepreneurs etc., cultural activities like tribal dance and Manipuri dance, screening of documentary films on HIV/AIDS and prize distribution of the competitions.
Speaking at the function the president of Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS Manipur (NPM) informed that the Supreme Court of India has directed to give work under the NREGS to HIV positive people and appealed to the MLAs, state health department and the government to sanction an amount of Rs 60 lakhs for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The inaugural function which marked the first day of the exposition was graced by Dr Kh Pramodkumar, project director (Technical) MACS, Abhiram Mongjam, joint director (TI) MACS, Sushil Huidrom, state coordinator (UNAIDS) and Danny Kangjam, president (NPM) as chief guest, guests of honour and president respectively.