World AIDS Day CM calls for concerted efforts to contain HIV
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 01 2015: Efforts from various agencies and depart-ments in the last three years have resulted in zeroing down new HIV infection, discrimi-nation against people living with HIV/ AIDS and HIV/AIDS related deaths, stated Chief Minister Okram Ibobi while addressing the State level 'World AIDS Day-2015' observance at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Ground organized by the Manipur State Aids Control Society (MACS) .

Like in other parts of the world, Manipur observed the day on the theme 'Getting to Zero' .

The CM who is also the chairman of the governing body of MACS attended the function as the chief guest while Health and Family Welfare Minister Phungza-thang Tonsing was the functional president.

The CM further stated that the impacts of HIV/AIDS have been tormenting the State for the past two decades and it is time for everyone to join hands with the State functionaries and work together to uproot the epidemic.

Chief Minister O Ibobi at the World AIDS Day observance

Sharing international borders with Myanmar has provided an ideal breeding ground for HIV/AIDS infections in the State, he added.

Even though the State has excelled in various other fields like sports, arts and culture, even in heath sectors and achieved various national and international recognition, it is very unfortunate that Manipur is recognized as one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalent States of the country, the Chief Minister rued.

"Manipur need more public awareness campaign at this moment", he said.

He continued that more testing laboratories will be set up at various CHCs, PHCs specially in the hill districts with more ART centres.

NGOs, doctors and other people working in HIV/AIDS related fields should work sincerely as it is the only way to eradicate HIV/AIDS from the State.

To further facilitate assistance to all people living with HIV (PLHIV), the State Government has revised the Manipur State AIDS Prevention Control Policy.

In the new policy, all PLHIV are covered by the financial assistance.

Earlier, the assistance was meant only for PLHIV who are living below the poverty line, he added.

Commerce and Industries Minister, Govindas Konthoujam, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, MLA of Kakching A/C Y Surchandra, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare PK Singh, Project Director of MACS PK Jha were the guests of honour.

Prior to the observance function, a mass rally was organized by MACS' Partners NGO's forum.

The rally was flagged off by PK Jha from Hao Ground, Singjamei and culminated at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles Ground.

Functional president Phungzathang Tonsing stated that the State is ranked sixth in HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the country.

He said that it is not a good sign that the State ranks that much high in the country's HIV/AIDS prevalence ranking.

All concerned should understand that the road ahead in fighting the menace will be hard, but the fight must go on.

The dignitaries distributed certificates to various doctors in recognition of their efforts in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention.

As part of the observance function, voluntary blood donation camp was also inaugurated by the CM.

The blood donation camp was organized by MACS Partners' NGO Forum in association with Blood Bank and Transfusion Unit, JNIMS.

The dignitaries also visited the Self Help Group stalls which were opened as part of the World AIDS Day-2015 observance.

The Centre for Excellence, ART Centre and Dept of Medicine, RIMS, Imphal observed the World AIDS Day with the theme 'Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections, Zero Discrimination, Zero AIDS related deaths' at the seminar hall of Dept of Medicine, RIMS, Imphal today.

The programme was financially supported by Academic Committee, Dept of Medicine, RIMS.

Faculties, PG students, staff of CoE, ART Centre, RIMS and PLHIV community attended the programme.

Prizes were given to three most adherent and regular patients/clients with the aim to motivate others as well as to improve the patient-service provider relation.

Two minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect to death victims of the epidemic.

As part of the worldwide celebration, the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Imphal East observed the Day at Keirao Litan Makhong, Irilbung.

Dr Kh Indra Singh, District Malaria Officer, Imphal East; MI Khan, social activist and Dr Karong H Kom, District TB Officer attended the programme as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Human Resource Development Centre, Mayang Imphal Chabung Company observed the Day at its office today.

An essay writing competition was held on the topic, 'Let us stand against stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.' 46 school going students took part in the competition.

Certificates were distributed to the participants.