'No error in MACS promotional video'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 26 2025: The Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) has clarified that there is no error in a promotional video on Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis (EVTHS) which is currently being telecast on local cable TV channels.

According to a press release issued by Kengoo Zuringla, Project Director, MACS, one Haobam Nanao raised an objection to the term "ART chaba"/"take ART" in the video during a press conference held on June 24 which was telecast in local cable news channels and published in local newspapers.

MACS has spelt out that the video is for pregnant women, encouraging them to test for HIV and Syphilis as soon as they are pregnant, and not about "encouraging people living with HIV/AIDS to take ART without fail" as he claimed.

MACS is aware that ART is a therapy, where a combination of medicines is given and taken orally.

Therefore, in all IEC materials since the launch of ART, the term "ART Chaba" has been used as a reference.

The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the State AIDS Control Societies also use the phrase "take ART", which he finds objectionable, said the press release.

"ART chaba" in Manipuri is used by MACS for the better understanding of the general population.

MACS also consulted senior Medical Officers of ART centres and prominent members of the PLHIV community who are also of the opinion that there is nothing wrong or objectionable in using the term "ART chaba" .

Further, Haobam Nanao's claim that Deputy Director, IEC, MACS said "correcting mistake would take some time" is also a false statement, added the MACS statement.

The Deputy Director had acknowledged the feedback positively and assured him that his feedback will be incorporated in the future, if necessary.

"It was not acknowledged that there was any mistake in the video as claimed by him", said MACS.

MACS said that while feedback is welcome, it does not advocate spreading of misinformation or misleading facts or events to innocent people, particularly regarding public health-related matters.

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