CM calls for concerted efforts to reduce rate of HIV spread to 'Zero'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 01 2014 : Apprehending that the rate of spread of HIV/AIDS in the State is still at alarming stage though the number of people affected with the deadly disease has been reduced considerably in the past few years, Chief Minister O Ibobi asserted that mass public awareness is more effective than the medicines as far as curbing the disease is concerned.

The CM was attending the observance of World AIDS Day 2014 organized by Manipur State AIDS Society (MACS) at 1st Manipur Rifles Ground here today.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Ibobi stressed the need for collectively understanding the root causes and knowledge of HIV/AIDS to stop the disease from further spread to the people, while adding that the World AIDS Day has been observed worldwide to apprise the people of potential threats posed by the deadly disease to mankind.

Reiterating the government has been extending all possible help to MACS and concerned departments to observe the World AIDS Day successfully taking into account its importance, the CM maintained that the government is collaborating with NGOs to ensure that facility of early blood testing and ART treatment is availed in every district of the State.

World AIDS Day 2014 widely observed

Though Manipur recorded the lowest infant mortality rate in the country, the rate of spread of HIV/AIDS in the State is at an alarming stage which is a serious concern.

The number of people affected with HIV/AIDS in Imphal West and East has been reduced marginally, but more precautions have to be put in place in border districts including Churachandpur, Chandel and Ukhrul; he stated.

Saying that the role of NGOs in fighting HIV/AIDS which is a pandemic disease is vital, Ibobi underscored the need for collective efforts from the government, NGOs and media to root out the deadly disease from the State.

The State of Manipur is well known for its excellence in sports, but at the same time the State is also known for alarming situation of HIV/AIDS.

Younger generation should come forward and join the fight against the disease, the CM added.

Ibobi then called upon the people to put in concerted efforts to reduce the rate of spread of HIV/AIDS in the State to zero within a limited time.

Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing who presided over the observance function said that Manipur stood sixth position in regard to the number of people infected with HIV/AIDS in the country, while conceding that 90 percent of the total population of the State is aware of the disease which is due to the joint efforts of the government and NGOs.

Stating that more effective awareness on injecting drug users, sex workers and man having sex with man is still needed, the Minister asserted that the government has been taking up various intervention projects to stop spreading of HIV/AIDS from such groups of people.

Along with releasing HIV Sentinel Surveillance Bulletin, 2012 and CMIS Bulletin, 2012; CM Ibobi launched Multi-Drug Regime (MDR) for PPTCT Programme in Manipur to mark the occasion.

In connection with the observance function, members of Friendship Development Centre (FDC) took out rally under the banner 'Run against HIV/AIDS' from 1ST MR Ground to Behiang.

The rally was led by Joykumar Sharma, Project Director of FDC.

As part of the observance, members of various NGOs including people living with HIV and students took out a rally from Pishum Hao Ground in Imphal.

As part of the programmme, a one-month long State level observance and launching of Zindagi Zindabad was inaugurated.

Department of Medicine and Centre of Excellence, ART Centre, RIMS also observed the World AIDS Day 2014 at the Seminar Hall, Department of Medicine, RIMS with Prof M Amuba Singh, Medical Superintendent, RIMS; Prof S Bhagyabati Devi, HOD, Medicine & Program Director of COE, ART Centre, RIMS and Prof M Kulachandra Singh, former Program Director of COE, ART Centre, RIMS attending as chief guest, president and guest of honor respectively.

Releasing of ART News Souvenir and observing a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls of HIV/AIDS patients were the main highlights of the observance function.