Legislators carry on campaign against HIV/AIDS with MACS
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 06 2011:
As part of its ongoing campaign against HIV/AIDS, Manipur Legislators' Forum on HIV/AIDS in collaboration with MACS organised a one day 'Constituency Level Convention on HIV/AIDS' at Keishampat Keisham Leikai Lairembi Hall today with Health Minister L Jayantakumar Singh as the chief guest.
Delivering the keynote address, Forum coordinator Sushil Huidrom said so far HIV/AIDS conventions have been organised under the initiative of the Forum in 30 Assembly Constituencies.
Noting that prevailing HIV/AIDS scenario in the State needs concerted effort from all concerned including elected representatives as NGOs alone cannot deal with the gravity of the situation, he expressed confidence that participation of the general public in creating awareness about the disease can help to control spread of HIV/AIDS cases.
In his speech, MACS Joint Director M Abhiram regretted that laurels brought to Manipur by sportspersons and achievement in the field of art and culture are being diluted due to high rate of HIV/AIDS prevalence.
Highlighting MACS report of about 36,000 people infected with HIV out of which 9000 are females, he also strongly advocated voluntary HIV/AIDS test before marriage in order to prevent spread of the disease to children.
Abhiram also called upon all concerned to avail welfare schemes being extended to HIV/AIDS infected individuals.
In his address, the Health Minister announcing various welfare measures to be taken up in the future particularly in the health care sector also assured his personal endeavour to ensure availability of ART and other drugs for combating HIV/AIDS menace.