Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 20 2009:
Under the auspices of Chaha Project of Sneha Bhavan, the Global AIDS Week cum Candle Light Memorial observed at Sneha Bhavan
here today.
MLA Thangjam Nandakishore, Joint Secretary of SASO Ch Bangkim and principal of Little Flower School Mabel graced the occasion as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, Nandakishore pointed out that many lives in Manipur have lost to HIV while still many others are living with the virus.
So a concerted efforts should be made in order to stop spread of HIV.
In his address as guest of honour of the function, Bangkim noted that all the programmes being taken up for prevention of HIV are man oriented programme with little scope for the large population of women and children who have also been affected by the virus.
So it is high time to initiate targeted programmes for women and children as well.
Moreover, the external funding support being received for these programmes are only for pilot projects which would be over in due course of time.
So the State as well as the community have a great responsibility in ensure continue support to the people living with HIV.
Women living with HIV also shared their experiences at the occasion during which candles were also lit in memory of those who have lost their lives to HIV.