Imphal, May 06 2009: With the figure of children who lost their parents due to HIV/AIDS infections coming to the fore an Imphal east district-based NGO called 'Child Welfare Committee' has drawn the attention of both the Central and State Governments to the plight of the orphaned children.

Moreover, a medical expert while pointing out that psychological impact to the young children of AIDS victim parents is even more critical and requires redressal efforts also conceded that even the RIMS had not been taking into account severity of this problem.

Addressing newspersons this afternoon in connection with the observance of World AIDS Orphans Day tomorrow, the member secretary of the Imphal East district Committee Keisham Pradipkumar highlighted that inspite of uncountable number of children made to suffer for no faults of theirs the Government is yet to acknowledge plight of these children.

He cautioned that even though the parents succumb to HIV/AIDS children born to such parents are not always infected with the disease and that these children should be ensured all possible care and attention for a secure future.

The 'media meet' was hosted and held at the Singjamei office of FXB India Suraksha Manipur branch to highlight numerous problems besieging children who had been rendered parent-less and are in dire need for protection under the patronage of the Government.

Pointing out that india is home to over two million children who lost their parents to the scourge of HIV/AIDS pandemic, the NGO functionary expressed strong resentment that inspite of gravity of the problem the Government is yet to devise a mechanism including passing of a legislation to insure social and medical security of these children.

Regarding role of the State Government to address the issue he enlisted setting up of orphanages exclusively for the AIDS orphaned children and entrusting dedicated doctors, nurses and counsellors to provide balm to the suffering children.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr A Gajendra of the Psychiatry Department (RIMS) confessed that the premier medical institute is yet to study in-depth magnitude of the problem of children who lost their parents to AIDS.

Noting that compared to the medical attention, these section of children are more in need of psychological assistance, Dr Gajendra expressed hope that the institute would not delay in taking up appropriate measures.

Taking part in the media meet, Newsreader of All india Radio, Imphal Sapam Dilip elaborated on 'Role of media in relation with the problem of HIV and AIDS infected and affected children'.

He reminded that in the 1993 guidelines issued by the Press Council of india media establishments are required to deal or present the issue of people, including children, infected by the AIDS in an objective and positive manner in addition to sufficient slot in the broadcast and publication of related news.

Editor of the ISTV cable news network, Rupachandra Yumnam stressed on the dedicated and positive role of the elders in mitigating problems endured by the young children.

he said, notwithstanding wholehearted initiative by the parents for welfare of the children there arises circumstantial difficulties wherein children are exposed to risk as a consequence of either the parents infected by AIDS or due to financial constraints.

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