Ukhrul bodies condemn discrimination of HIV+ people
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 06 2011: Civil society organizations, HIV positive networks, and NGOs in Ukhrul today condemned discrimination of HIV positive people by health care providers.

Representatives of the Indigenous Mothers Association (IMA), Ukhrul District NGOs Alliance on Health (UDNAH), Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), Doulos, Kamphasom Youth Organisation (KYO), Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE), and Ukhrul Network of Positive People (UNP+) made this demand in a press briefing at the Tangkhul Theological Association (TTA) hall, Ukhrul, today.

C Ayo, President, UNP+, said that that the death of one Themngam, a HIV positive patient who died in Ukhrul District hospital was not the first case of a person with HIV/AIDS died.

"We at least expect the health care providers to be aware and sensitive to this issue".

Pointing out the absence of ART doctor and lab technician to conduct a CD4 test he said that in a number of cases ART is initiated without CD4 test.

"Not everyone can afford to go to Imphal to consult an ART doctor or get their CD4 tested" .

He also said, "MACS should ensure that services are available and easily accessible whenever the need arises, we are ready to support if there is anything that the network can do" .

Ukhrul district hospital is yet to have a ART doctor after the last doctor left the job on February 27, 2011.The CD4 machine remains idle after the lab technician left on Jan 25, 2011.The last CD4 test was done on January 24, 2011.While the hospital has a sanctioned strength of 19 doctors, including one Ayush and two dental surgeons, only 15 have been allotted.

Out of those 15 only about nine are working in the hospital.

While 29 is the sanctioned strength of staff nurse only 15 have been allotted.

Mahira, General Secretary, TKS, said that health care personnel in the district hospital should be held accountable for their misdeeds so that such incidents are not repeated.

Emphasizing the role of the church in addressing stigma and discrimination Tam added, "The church can be the binding force and take lead in fighting stigma and discrimination" .

Civil society organizations in Ukhrul, positive networks, church and NGOs are submitting a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul, Health Minister, Health Commissioner, Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) and the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) on this issue.

Wungpam Kasar, Convenor, UDNAH, said that people living with HIV and AIDS in the district will continue to suffer in the absence of a ART doctor and CD4 test facilities.

Nolinikanta, Convenor, CoNE, pointed out that in the absence of a District AIDS Control Officer (DACO) in the district it is difficult for positive networks and NGOs in the district to approach and resolve issues.

CoNE in consultation with various civil society organizations and NGOs in Ukhrul will approach relevant government departments and organizations to help address the issue stigma and discrimination and poor service facilities in Ukhrul.

Pointing out the lack of awareness as the main cause of stigma and discrimination, Ningkhan AS, President, TMNL, said that besides the district headquarter, programmes need to reach out to interior parts of the district.

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