CONE launches International Testing Week 2024
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 29 2024: The Community Network for Empowerment (CONE) has officially launched the International Testing Week(ITW) 2024, a global initiative designed to increase access to testing services for vulnerable populations.

Running from November 29 to December 5, 2024, the week-long campaign will be observed across 51 countries, including India.

The focus will be on raising awareness and promoting testing for viral infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV .

As part of the initiative, CONE has partnered with the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) to provide free Hepatitis B and C testing throughout the campaign.

CONE has also joined hands with the Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) and Meitei Leimarol Sinai Sang (MLSS) to offer free HIV testing services as part of ITW 2024 .

The screenings will be conducted in a confidential and high-quality manner at five key locations across Manipur, targeting individuals at higher risk for these infections.

The designated screening locations include the Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) Center at RIMS, Drug Treatment Centers funded by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, and facilities serving nurses and sanitary workers at JNIMS.

During the launching event held at CONE office in Palace Compound, a poster aimed at raising awareness about Hepatitis B and C was also unveiled by Dr Rosie Rajkumari, State Nodal Officer of NVHCP, along with RK Nalinikanta, president of CONE and RK Komoljit Singh, secretary of CONE.

The poster will be displayed at Government Hospitals and NGOs working in the fields of HIV and drug treatment.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rosie Rajkumari, Nodal Officer of NVHCP, said that NVHCP is fully committed to supporting all participants involved in the screening camps by offering a comprehensive range of services, from screening and diagnosis to vaccination and treatment for Hepatitis B and C .

"Our primary goal is to ensure that individuals who test positive have access to timely and effective treatment, ultimately reducing the burden of viral hepatitis in the region", she added.

She also highlighted the Government hospital sites where screening, diagnosis, and treatment for HBV and HCV will be available at no cost to the public.

RK Nalinikanta said that this year's observance of ITW is particularly significant as it aligned with CoNE's ongoing efforts to promote early detection, treatment and prevention of viral infections, with a special focus on marginalized and vulnerable communities who often face barriers to accessing healthcare services.

He also expressed gratitude for the support of NVHCP, MSACS, and other partners.

"By working together, we aim to dismantle barriers to testing and offer a pathway for early intervention", he concluded.

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