Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 18:
Manipur joined the world in the observance of 25th International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day today.
This special day is being observed throughout the globe for the last many years on the third Sunday of May in remembrance of over 28 million AIDS victims as well as in solidarity with around 42 million individuals infected by HIV.
The observance, being held this year under the theme 'Never give up, never forget' was marked by the participants holding lit candle in remembrance of the victims and solemn prayer to the almighty for solace to people living with HIV.
At the Joupi Bazar Indoor Stadium in Chandel district the observance programme was co-hosted by Futures United and People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), Chandel under the joint sponsorship of SASO Orchid Chandel, RE-SWACD, CNPT, CHAHA, CSDO and DACC all based in Chandel district.
Deputy Commissioner (Chandel) N Ashok Kumar and chief functionary of CSDO Joykumar attended the observance as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
In his brief speech, the chief guest strongly advocated sustained awareness campaigns by both the HIV infected and unaffected persons so as to ensure the dreaded disease is not spread to others.
Similar observance was also organised by SASO, MNP+, life line Foundation, CARE Foundation, Bosco Mangaal and KRIPA Foundation at MDU hall with Manipur State AIDS Control Society's Project Director Dr Kh Pramodkumar Singh as the chief guest and presided by general secretary of MNP+ S Udita.
Leprosy Patients' Welfare Society and KRIPA Society also observed the Day at their respective office premises.
At Moreh the observance was held under the joints auspices of DAWN a support group of injecting drug users, and Dedicated people's Union.
SDC (Moreh) Ph Ibohal Singh, SDPO (Moreh) M Rameshwor Singh and general secretary of Tamil Sangam (Moreh) S Ravichandran graced the occasion as the chief guest, functional president and guest of honour respectively.
About 100 IDUs who are under the rehabilitation/treatment programme at Project Orchid's DIC were also present during the observation, informed our Moreh correspondent.
Addressing the gathering Ph Ibohal highlighted that due to the porous international boundary, Moreh is faced with the uphill task of checking use of narcotic substances particularly injection of heroin.
He lamented that inspite of presence of large number of drug users in the border town there is hardly any centre/institution to encourage the IDUs join detoxification or rehabilitation programmes.
The chief guest also emphasised on proper care and concern for the drug users and HIV infected persons through adequate counselling in order to check prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases.