Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 07, 2010:
The Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) celebrated its 13th foundation day at MDU hall here today with Padmasree A Syam Sharma and general secretary of MNP+ S Udita Devi as chief guest and president respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, MNP+ vice president W Ajitshore urged upon the State Government to implement the Supreme Court's 11 point directive.
The Supreme Court's directive issued on October 1, 2008 included opening of ART centres in all districts of category A and B, installation of CD4 machines in all ART centres, provision of ART second line treatment where it is needed, free provision of OI drugs, reimbursement of travel fares to ART patients, giving AAY cards and National Rural Health Mission cards to ART patients etc.
Since the last many years, the MNP+ have been working for people living with HIV and/or hepatitis C besides urging for implementation of the Supreme Court directive, Ajitshore said.
The MNP+ was set up by just five persons who were former drug users and living with HIV on September 7, 1997. In those days, drug abusers were chastised by shooting while Meira Paibis would parade and defame them before the public.
People living with HIV were looked upon with disdain within the family, at hospitals, everywhere.
They were virtually ex-communicated and there were no doctors to treat.
It was at this period that the five persons secretly set up MNP+ by assembling themselves at their houses in rotation, Ajitshore recalled.
Now the MNP+ having 2000 members has extended its network to all the districts, working for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The foundation function was also attended by RIMS Medical Superintendent Dr Y Mohen, Dr K Priyokumar of JNIMS and ISTV Chief Editor Y Rupachandra as guests of honour.
Syam Sharma said that in addition to clinical treatment, education on promoting mental health should be given to people living with HIV, particularly children.
Dr Priyokumar highlighted the need for collective and sincere effort on the parts of the Government, NGOs and medical staff to tackle the social issue of HIV.
Three, out of the five who founded MNP+, were felicitated by presenting mementos.
A video music album was also released during the function which culminated with a music concert.