Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 29:
A convention on HIV/AIDS for the church leaders and village chiefs was held today at State Guest House under the aegis of the Manipur Legislators' Forum on HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at the occasion as guest of honour, Pastor L Timothy noted that a specific programme is necessary to educate church leaders and village chiefs on HIV/AIDS and to create awareness among the mass further.
He observed that many church leaders view HIV/AIDS as punishment given to mankind by god.
They have the notion that neither the Government nor the NGOs nor the churches can do anything to save mankind from HIV/AIDS, he alleged.
Some church leaders are of the opinion that HIV/AIDS is god's punishment to men for the sins they committed.
As such, church leaders have great responsibility to atone the sinners and to save them from HIV/AIDS, Timothy said.
The State Government, MACS and the NGOs seemed to be half-hearted when they organised sensitisation workshops on HIV/AIDS for village chief and church leaders, he observed while adding that village chiefs, church leaders and the villagers have limited awareness of the dreaded disease.
Giving keynote address of the meet, UNAIDS State Coordinator Sushil Huidrom asserted that church leaders can do a lot in dispelling the various false notions people have about HIV/AIDS.
The convention participated by pastors and village chiefs from all over the State was attended by vice-chairman of the Manipur Legislators' Forum on HIV/AIDS M Thorii as chief guest and executive member of the Forum Dr T Borajao as functional president.