'Drugs and HIV & AIDS affect entire state'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 21 2012: The 12th Foundation Day celebration of Care Foundation was held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here today.

The function was graced by MLA Bishwajit and President of Care Foundation Th Subashchandra as Chief Guest and President respectively.

Former Minister L Jayentakumar and Joint Director of MACS Abhiram Mongjam were also present as Guests of Honour.

The occasion was marked by a one-minute silent observation in memory of the lives lost to drugs and HIV & AIDS and sharing by former drug users who have managed to come out clean from the clutches of drugs.

Speaking on the occasion, Abhiram Mongjam said that Care foundation has been working for the cause of drug users and PLHIVs for the last many years.

The foundation has taken a lead role in the free rollout of ART to people living with HIV and AIDS and consequently ART was provided to the PLHIVs of the state from April 2004 .

Pointing out the need to curb inflow of drugs in the state from neighbouring countries, Abhiram Mongjam opined that if smuggling of drugs to the state is blocked from all sides, the harmful effects of drugs could be prevented to a large extent.

Drugs and HIV & AIDS have affected the entire nook and corner of the state, he said adding, "There is no locality in the state of Manipur which has not been affected by HIV & AIDS and drugs" .

He also pointed out the advantages of Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) where many drug users, following the therapy, have been able to abstain themselves from drugs and are leading a normal life.

Former Minister of Health and Family Welfare, L Jayentakumar also pointed out the necessity of establishing blood banks in every district of the state to help in controlling HIV and AIDS epidemic.

A souvenir was also released by the Chief Guest to mark the occasion.

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