Intl AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 17 2015 :
"Inclusion of 'care and support' provision in AIDS programme is indispensable if the policy makers and the Government are serious about decreasing the number of candle sticks to be lighted in the future candlelight memorial observances in the State" .
This was stated by the president of Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) L Deepak on the 32nd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day Observance at Hotel Tampha, North AOC, today.
L Deepak said that the main programme implemented widely by NGOs in the State is just HIV 'intervention' but the provision of 'care and support' for those people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) has been totally ignored.
The observance function was attended by president All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) W Shamjai, Prof MC Arun of Manipur University, Joint-Director TI-MACS Abhiram Mongjam, president Manipur Partners NGOs Forum Vikram Nepram, general secretary MNP+ Udita Salam, Dr RK Rosie and Dr Seram Meena from MACS.
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Speaking at the programme, AMWJU president W Shamjai stated that observance of the function would not bring much changes towards the desired direction, so it is time to think and come up with an action plan to bring a change in next year's observance.
He added that AMWJU will extend all possible support in areas of disseminating information to fight against HIV & AIDS pandemic.
He also lauded the efforts of NGOs operating in the State and the initiative taken up by the State AIDS Control Society.
Addressing the participants, Prof MC Arun expressed apprehension that the epidemic will continue to haunt the coming generation if the right steps and decision are not taken now.
He added that many innocent people, including children, are living with HIV as they come into contact with the virus through their parents.
The programme was organised by MACS in association with MACS Partner NGOs, MNP+, VIHAAN with the theme 'Supporting the future' .
Mention may be made here that International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, coordinated by the Global Network of People Living with HIV is one of the world's oldest and largest grassroots mobilisation campaigns of HIV awareness in the World.
Started in 1983, the International candlelight is held on every third Sunday of May.
Bishnupur Network of Positive People (BNP+) also observed the day at Bishnupur Keithel today.
The Bishnupur Market was lit with candles as part of the observation today.
Representatives of Vihaan also attended the observation.