Imphal, August 30: Underlying the importance of the media in combating HIV/AIDS, a day-long seminar was held at Manipur Press Club here today.

Appropriately themed 'Role of media intervention in prevention of HIV/AIDS and promoting awareness', the event was organised by the American Centre, Kolkata in collaboration with All Manipur Working Journalists' Union and Manipur State AIDS Control Society.

Speaking as chief guest of the inaugural function of the seminar, Director of Health Services, Government of Manipur Dr Suresh Singh pointed out that HIV/AIDS prevalence rate amongst the Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs) has come down from 77 percent in 1997 to nearly 20 percent.

"This is because of the wide-spread campaign launched by NGOs, the Government agencies, public and of course media against the epidemic," he said.

Highlighting other achievements in combating spread of HIV/AIDS, Dr Suresh said that TB cases among HIV patients have also decreased.

However, he expressed serious concern over rise in the rate of HIV spreading among general population through unprotected sex.

Participating in the seminar, Public Affairs Officer of US Consulate, Kolkata Douglas G Kelly said more than 38 million people are living with HIV/AIDS around the world today and it is estimated that without preventive measures by 2010, 45 million new cases will occur.

A 2004 Congressional report predicts that by 2010, the HIV virus would orphan more that 25 million children, he observed, adding that United States has put a priority in fighting against HIV/AIDS a priority.

The American Centre at Kolkata has worked to build up HIV/AIDS awareness among the people in several ways and can continue to do so, he said and added 'We have programmed experts, screened films, given small grants, involved college students and youth leaders in the fight and facilitate the work of the institutions'.

Kelly also noted that media could act as a channel for communication and discussion and be instrumental in breaking the silence that envelops the disease as well as in encouraging positive healthy behaviour.

Speaking on 'The American perspective' in tackling the issue, Devaki Nambiar, a Fullbright scholar and Fellow of Johns Hokins Blooming School of Public Health (MD), said that pointed out that celebrities in the US including Hollywood icons like Robert De Nero and others speak out on the HIV/AIDS issues on television attracting a large number of people.

Nambiar, who hails from New York, said the campaign has been continuing in popular music channel like MTV since 2001.Another speaker, Project Director of MACS TR Kom informed that 75 NGOs in the State are working under MACS in different aspects of tackling the issue apart from 17 others under different international funding agencies.

Moreover, a total of 35,000 HIV patients in Manipur are undergoing Anti-Retroviral Therapy, he added.

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