Ukhrul sensitized to HCV
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 23 2013 : A 2-day HCV sensitization and treatment literacy programme for Ukhrul District concluded at the Conference Hall, TTA Hamleikhong today.

Supported by APN+ (Asia Pacific Network of Positive People) and Robert Carr fund for civil society Network, the programme was organized jointly by Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+), Delhi Network of Positive People (DNP+), CARE Ukhrul, Ukhrul Network of Positive People (UNP+) and Network of Positive People Ukhrul (NPPU) .

The main Objective of the workshop was to sensitize the CBOs, Civil Society Organizations, Women's Organization and NGOs, which are working on responding HIV and Drug use.

The programme was inspired and sparked after the recent news report carried in Hueiyen Lanpao about a study conducted in Ukhrul in which 18 out of the 22 IDUs who were tested for HCV were found positive.

In consideration of the alarming situation with a prevalence of 86% high, DNP+ and MNP+ in due consultation with APN+ and Robert Carr fund for civil society Network conducted the programme along with the support and co-operation of the local organizations.

In all 26 people from different organizations viz.

CARE (Citizen's Alliance for Re-empowerment, DOULOS, NSG (Ngarum Support Group), PVRO (People's voice representative Organisation, (TSL) Tangkhul Shanao Long, (PASDO) Participatory Action for Sustainable Development Organization, (TMNL) Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, (UNP) Ukhrul Network of Positive People, Network of Positive People Ukhrul (NPPU), Link workers representative and some NGOs participated in the programme during which basic information about HCV and available treatments were discussed and facilitated by the programme conductors.

Personal testimony on HCV treatment was also shared.

The present HCV scenario in Ukhrul and the challenges were talked and discussed about and group work was conducted to identify the expectations of the community and what they can do about it for a change.

At the end of the first day of the programme, a committee named 'Ukhrul Coordination Committee on Hep C' was formed with consensus from the participants to back up and steer the HCV treatment access movement in the district of Ukhrul.

On the second day of the programme, Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Dr.S.K.Chaurasia, IAS spoke on the alarming situation of Hep C in Ukhrul, in particular and in the State in general.

CMO Dr.Ng Raikhan and Dr.Ayao Vashum, Medical Superintendent of Ukhrul District Hospital/ District AIDS Officer (DAO) were also present.

Many queries from the participants were clearly attended and demystified.

At the end of the two-day long programme, various recommendations were also adopted and submitted to the Deputy Commissioner.

The recommendation included incorporation of HCV Awareness and Treatment Services in National HIV and blood-borne disease prevention programmes; to develop Local-specific policy on HCV prevention, diagnosis and treatment guidelines with the involvement of Community living with HCV; to provide free access to HCV anti-body testing and follow-up diagnostic (RNA and genotype), including systematic pre and post-test counseling at least one service center in every district; reducing the cost of medicines to minimum affordable cost considering the health and economic conditions of HCV patients, to include HEP-C Medicine in the National List of Essential Medicines of India 2011; taking up capacity building for Healthcare Service Providers on HCV and Intensive Mass Awareness Programmes immediately; to recognize the urgent need to address HCV issues with convergence of line departments, CBOs and NGOs lead by the State Health Department; extending the benefits of Manipur State Illness Assistance Fund to HCV and HIV patients irrespective of BPL card holder or not; to initiate Mapping, Research and Documentation on HCV, addressing the need for issue related to ceasing of financial support to TI Projects of Kamjong & LM Blocks of Ukhrul district after the withdrawal of ORCHID Project and other Blocks/villages to prevent further transmission of HIV, HCV and other BBVs and urging the District administration to apprise the concern authorities with regard to the recommendations adopted for do the needful on humanitarian ground.

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