Imphal, May 07 2009: Observing World AIDS Orphans Day, a number of children took out a rally at Singjamei today besides offering light to the souls of children killed by AIDS.

After the main rally, the main function of the observance was held at the office of the FXB India Suraksha, Manipur Branch at Singjamei.

The function was graced by Singjamei Ward No 16 Councillor Meisnam Subash, MACS joint director Abhiram Mongjam, secretary general of Organisation for Salvation of Man Prem Konsam and executive director of Human Rights Law Network Manipur Meihoubam Rakesh as presidium members.

Speaking at the occasion, Abhiram Mongjam said till March this year 1914 children living with HIV have been registered in ART centres.

However, a large percentage of these children who have the benefits of ART suffer from irregular consumption of ART drugs.

Saying that children are future pillars of a nation, he asserted that it was the responsibility of every section of the society to take care for the health of children.

As such, no one should harbour any thought of discrimination against children living with HIV.

He further observed that the problem of HIV/AIDS was not exclusively medical but rather it was a political and economic issue.

Efforts were being made to open link ART centres in Manipur under the third phase of NACO's programme Abhiram said Once these link ART centres were opened, the problem of people requiring ART would be certainly mitigated.

Rakesh Meihoubam observed that Juvenile Justice Boards opened at district level under Juvenile Justice Care and Protection Act have not been functioning properly.

In addition to appointing members with little concern for the welfare of children, these boards lack fundamental supports, he noted.

Prem Konsam exhorted the people to strive towards providing required nutrition and education to "AIDS orphan" of Manipur without waiting for external funding.

Prizes were also distributed to the winners of the spot painting competition for children held under the theme "My Dream" yesterday.

Today's function of World AIDS Orphans Day was organised by FXB India Suraksha, Manipur Branch.

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