World AIDS Day Zero, the catchword in State too
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 01 2013 : Manipur too joined the global fraternity in observing World AIDS Day today with the State Government as well as NGOs organising functions at different parts of the State.

observed this year under the theme 'Getting to Zero: Zero New HIV Infection.

Zero Discrimination.

Zero AIDS-related deaths', awareness campaigns, rallies and calls for sustaining the movement for checking spread of the disease were the highlight of the observance.

As chief guest of the observance function organised by Manipur State AIDS Control Society at MFDC auditorium, Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshwar Singh stating that resisting the urge to use drugs is the surest way to avoid HIV infection also proposed that all the 60 legislators of Manipur chalk out effective measures for saving the future generation of the State.

As functional president Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing lamented that HIV/AIDS prevalence is getting higher in Ukhrul district.

While the endemic was alarmingly high in Churachandpur district some years back intensive anti-AIDS campaigns has succeeded in bringing down the prevalence rate, he noted.

Among others, MLAs S Bira and M Kunjo also addressed the gathering.

Speaker Th Lokeshore lighting the candle

At an observance function organised by District AIDS Prevention & Control Committee, Imphal West at RD Wing, Lamphel district Deputy Commissioner K Radhakumar Singh highlighted that 34 million people are suffering from HIV/AIDS infections.

In Manipur about 43,000 people are affected by the disease, said the DC in his address as the chief guest and cautioned all concerned that only preventive steps could prevent HIV/AIDS infections.

Speaking at the occasion, SASO general secretary A Arjun Singh sought the cooperation of every section of the society to combat the problem of HIV/AIDS infection particularly creating awareness on abstaining from physical intimacy with affected partners.

World AIDS Day was also observed at Hotel Tampha, North AOC under the joint initiative of Manipur Network of Positive People, Social Awareness Service organisation, Care Foundation and Vihaan CSCS.

At the Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal office of Manipur Voluntary Health Association the global event was jointly organised by the Association and District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee, Imphal East with Imphal East Zilla Parishad adhyaksha K Tombi Singh and Chief Medical Officer, Imphal East Dr L Ashok Sharma attending as the chief guest and president respectively.

the district's DFWO Dr Th Solochana Devi, District Malaria Officer Dr Kh Indra Singh and MVHA president Kh Achouba were the guests of honour.

While speakers emphasised on sustaining awareness campaign to translate the observance theme into a reality and eradicate stigma attached with HIV/AIDS infected people, a rally participated by nursing students was also flagged off from Wangkhei High School.

Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) observed the Day at Islamic English School, Lilong Ushoipokpi while at Kangchup Songlung village the observance was jointly organised by Society for Young Generation Upliftment (Wangkhei Mayum Leirak) and its Senapati district partner NGO wherein village Church leaders and locals were present.

In Senapati district headquarters a mass rally was held to mark the 25th world AIDS day under the joint aegis of District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee and various NGOs.

The rally with the slogan "Working Together for AIDs Free Generation" was joined by students, general public, ASHA workers, NGO volunteers from different parts of the district and HIV+ patients.

trans-gender community residing in the district also participated.

"AIDS has become one of the most destructive pandemic diseases which needs to be controlled.

Ending AIDS will be synonymous to celebrating birthday instead of attending funeral", said Dr H Loli Mao, DACO, Senapati in his key note address.

With Manipur as the epicentre of AIDS in the country, the urgent need to control and contain the disease has become the main project.

Out of 39,776 blood samples tested in Senapati district about 544 has been reported as HIV positive cases in the year 2012-13, said Dr Loli calling for collective effort to tackle HIV/AIDS problem and not to discriminate the victims but to encourage them with love and care.

SP (Senapati) Isak Shah in his address as the chief guest appealed to the people to stick to the universal concept of "Prevention is better than cure" .

"Do not be afraid for blood test, tell your friends and be aware of your status and look after yourself," said a patient who gave her testimony on the occasion.

It is a real need to have a blood test before marriage added the brave fighter of AIDS in her testimony.

"Spread the message after the rally and put it into practice", urged Dr Puspa Rai, Chief Medical Officer, Senapati district to the public.

She assured to have a better and improved facility in the district hospital.

An Adolescent Friendly Clinic will be opened by January next year in the new District Hospital for the school going adolescent, she announced and sought public cooperation in spreading awareness about the killer disease which has no cure till today even after many nations invested millions to find its cure.

World AIDS Day observance along with awareness rallies was also held at Jiribam, Kamuching village of Sadar Hills, TTA Hall Hamleikhong in Ukhrul district, Waikhom Mani Girls College in Thoubal district and Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district.