World AIDS Orphans' Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 07 2015 : World AIDS Orphans' Day was today observed at MACS RD Wing, Lamphel, Imphal.

May 7 has been dedicated to highlight the realities of children who have lost one or both parents to HIV and AIDS, and to focus on the hope that can exist for future generations so that they do not have to suffer the loss of a parent due to HIV & AIDS.

Organized by the Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS), NGOs Forum, MNP+ and VIHAAN, the programme was attended by Project Director of MACS Pradeep Jha as the chief guest, president of NGOs Forum Vikramjit Nepram as the functional president and HOD of Paediatrics, RIMS, Dr L Ranbir and Joint Director of MACS, Abhiram Mongjam as the guests of honour.

World AIDS Orphans' Day was initiated as a global movement in the year 2002 to bring to the notice, the plight of millions of helpless children world-wide who have lost one or both parents to HIV & AIDS and to mobilize the attention of both the Government and communities.

Invitee speaking at the observation of World Aids Orphans' Day at MACS RD Wing, Lamphel, Imphal

The crisis of HIV & AIDS have impacted families and communities, deepening poverty and increasing hardship.

Majority of the children affected by HIV & AIDS, including orphans, continue to live with their extended families or in homes run by NGOs.

Raising the issues and concerns of these children, invitees spoke on the plans and projects implemented by the State Government and its agencies for their benefits.

Out of a total number of HIV & AIDS infected persons, 2093 are children which indicates the increase of HIV & AIDS infection.

One of the speakers stated that funds allotted for welfare of people living with HIV & AIDS should be increased and ten percent should be kept aside for children orphaned by HIV & AIDS.

Meanwhile, guest of honour Dr L Ranbir asserted that education is a must for these children and every school in society should provide special care and attention.

He added that education is the key to mould their lives and therefore should be endorsed by everyone in every way possible.

Abhiram Mongjam said that social stigma has caused serious problems to the lives of the orphaned children.

"We all as responsible citizens of the State and country should take care of their emotional needs and extend our support," Abhiram Mongjam said.

Chief guest Pradeep Jha said, "HIV & AIDS infection has increased to a great extent and these orphaned children are taken good care by the State Government under various schemes and programmes implemented by various agencies of the Central Govern- ment" .

He further said that effective co-ordination by stakeholders concerned are needed to create an enabling environment for children affected and infected by HIV & AIDS, especially the orphans.

"We need to ensure that available resources reach the families and communities that provide the front-line response as they provide utmost care and support to the orphaned children," he added.

Pradeep Jha later urged the NGOs which are working in the field to work sincerely on harm reduction and deductive process of HIV & AIDS infection.