My Health, My Right call rings out on World AIDS Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 01 2024: As in other parts of the country and beyond, the 37th World AIDS Day was observed across Manipur under the theme "Take the Right Path: My Health, My Right!" today.

MNP+, KRIPA Society, SASO, CoNE, CARE Foundation and ADUM observed the day at MDU Hall at Yaiskul Police Lane.

Speaking at the function as chief guest, Medical Superintendent of JNIMS Dr Kh Lokeshwar said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has set a target to eliminate AIDS by 2030 .

Saying that many States set a target to detect 95 per cent of the people living with HIV/ AIDS every year so as to prevent transmission, through medication, he added that the figure however is low in Manipur.

It is important for people living with HIV/AIDS to know their status, he added.

Continuing that there is no vaccine for AIDS, Dr Lokeshwar maintained that Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is to suppress viral load, restore the immune system and reduce the risk of transmission.

He went on to state that a collective effort must be put in to stop the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS so that the infected persons may come out and take the help of the Government in preventing the transmission of the viral infection.

MNP+ general secretary Salam Udita, MACS (TI) Deputy Director Dr W Joyson, MACS (CST) Deputy Director Dr S Jupiter, MACS (BSD & IEC) Deputy Director N Dipabali, MACS (SI) Deputy Director Dr Teresa H and MACS (Store) Dr Beema H also attended the programme among others.

Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA), also observed the day at its office at Palace Compound today.

At the function, CADA general secretary Geetchandra Mangang said that the number of people who use drugs is increasing amid the crisis in Manipur.

He also said that the unrest in Manipur has greatly affected the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS on medication.

The Government is unable to provide its service to the people living with HIV/AIDS and drug addicts as many areas have become unsafe for officials to traverse, he added.

Continuing that emergence of many sex workers in Manipur is one big factor which may lead to a spike in HIV infection, he added that even students are now involved in flesh trade.

Despite the health risk, alcohol consumption is increasing among the young people in Manipur following the legalisation of liquor and emergence of many bars, he said and added that dozens of shops on the western side of Kangjeibung sell liquor till late night even during curfew hours.

He said that the Government should not overlook the causes and impact of alcohol related crimes and drug use by focusing only on the crisis besetting Manipur.

Nupi Samaj president Th Ramani, AMKIL president L Nganbi, Tammi-Chingmi president Y Momon and CADA president H Priyokumar also attended the programme.

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