Conclave on HIV/AIDS scenario in North East starts
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 03 2014:
A three-day North East Conclave to deliberate HIV/AIDS scenario in the region got underway at Classic Hotel from today.
a joint initiative of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS) and NGOs working in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention, MACS Joint Director Abhiram Mongjam addressing the gathering noted that contrary to significant progress in the battle against HIV/AIDS infection in the country, prevalence rate of the disease in the North East Region continues to be alarming.
Referring to data suggesting reduction in HIV/AIDS cases in the national context, Abhiram said in North East States such as Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram the campaign for preventing spread of the disease needs to be sustained for porous border shared by the three States with Myanmar give easy access to drug smugglers.
Until and unless cross-border drug smuggling activities can be effectively checked no amount of awareness campaigns or preventive policies could be fruitful, said the Project Director who also informed that tests on pregnant women in the three NE States show no sign of decline in HIV/AIDS infection.
Pointing out that youth in the 18-24 age group are most vulnerable to getting HIV/AIDS infections for they tend to get infatuated with leisurely activities and consequently fall into the drug trap, he also observed that Government policies on fighting the menace need to be specifically chalked out for the region rather than clubbing the issue with the national scenario.
Abhiram also suggested that promoting sports and productive entertainment programmes for the younger generation would be helpful in tackling the disease.
Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga, DAC (Govt of India) Joint Secretary KB Agarwal, UNAIDS India Coordinator Oussama Tawil, CoNE president RK Nilakanta, Mizoram Drug Users Forum president Lalduhawma, Department of AIDS Control's deputy Director General (TI) Dr Neeraj Dingra were also present at the inauguration programme of the Conclave.