Candlelight Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 18 2014 :
The 31st International AIDS Candle-light Memorial Day was observed today at yaiskul Hiruhanba Leikai Secretariat Office of Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) .
The observance function held on the them 'Let's Keep the light on HIV' was organised by MNP+ in collaboration with VIHAAN Project and Manipur state AIDS Control society (MACS) and graced by MACS Joint Director Abhiram Mongjam, MNP+ general secretary Udita Salam and Nodal officer, ART Centre (JNIMS) K Lokeshwar Singh as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
After the gathering offered prayer and floral tributes along with lighting candles in memory of the departed souls, Abhiram Mongjam in his address said further spread of HIV/AIDS could be checked significantly if prescribed norms are followed by the pregnant women.
Even though the Joint Director solicited initiatives by NGOs in curbing HIV/AIDS in Manipur, he conceded that delay in implementing various welfare projects due to fund shortage is not a good sign.
Along with joining the annual global observance it is equally important that those living with HIV do not miss their daily dose of ART drugs, said Abhiram while informing that MACS has record about 135 pregnant women infected with HIV last year.
Noting that there are 65 NGOs working in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention in the State and 15 OSDs in the nine districts monitoring/assisting these NGOs, he opined that through dedicated service and commitment to the cause from all concerned spread of HIV/AIDS could be prevented to a great extent.
The Joint secretary also regretted that commercial sex workers continue to remain indifferent to the initiative of MACS for encouraging use of condoms.