Media sensitisation programme conducted
People unaware of HIV and AIDS Act and rules: Dr Hemlata
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 27 2021:
Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS) ISC and mainstreaming deputy director Dr Hemlata Thokchom has observed that people of the state are still unaware of several Acts and rules related to HIV and AIDS implemented in the state.
Speaking during a media sensitisation programme organised by Khelen Thokchom Trust on the topic "Newly adopted HIV and AIDS (Preventive and Control) Act 2017" at ManipUr Press Club here on Monday, Dr Hemlata opined that making the public aware about the newly adopted Acts and rules related to HIV and AIDS will help in preventing spread of HIV and AIDS and consequently saving precious lives.
Moreover, it will help in ensuring the rights of HIV and AIDS affected people, she maintained and pointed out that media has vital roles to play in translating this into action.
With the launch of State AIDS policy by the state government on October 3, 1996, Manipur became the first state to have a state policy on HIV/AIDS, she informed, while adding that the policy was revised in 2D15 .
The prevalent rate of HIV and AIDS infection among pregnant women was 2.7 per cent in 1999 and it has been presently reduced to 0.51 per cent.
Moreover, 3.1 per cent of adult population was infected by HIV and AIDS in 1999 but the rate has been brought down to 1.18 per cent presently, she continued.
Pointing out that district AIDS prevention and control unit under district control officer has been launched in nine districts of the state, Dr Hemlata said that there are 63 AICS, 72 AITC facilities, 63 community -based screening sites, 13 ART centres, 4 CD, 10 testing facilities including one state reference lab at JNIMS and national reference lab at RIMS.
The sensitisation programme was held with Manipur High Court advocate K Rabei, Community Network for Empowerment president Rk Nilakanta and TOM TV editor-in-chief A Mobi as the resource persons.