Imphal, October 17: Governor Dr SS Sidhu has stated that in the absence of any vaccine to cure HIV/AIDS disease as of now, the only weapon to combat this scourge of humanity is Information, Education and Communication (IEC).

Speaking a chief guest of the function to release a short film on HIV/AIDS at the auditorium of JN Manipur Dance Academy here this morning, Dr Sidhu said as there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, special emphasis should be given on IEC which he described as social vaccine.

With the intervention of science, the quality of life of those affected has been improved and the longevity has been increased.

But the ultimate goal of curing the malaise is still unattainable, he added.

Dwelling on the scenario of HIV/AIDS problem in India, he said under the leadership of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), various activities and initiatives have been undertaken to bring awareness of the disease as well as its impact on the society.

However, a lot is yet to be done specially in a large country like ours where the percentage of illiteracy is still very high, he said, adding that it is important that social stigma and discrimination and the feeling of shame among those who have been inflicted with HIV/AIDS is tackled with sensitivity and counselling.

The social service groups and NGOs can play a useful role in this regard, because at times, the stigma arises mainly due to lack of knowledge among the people and such stigmatisation leads to undesirable acts which are not only unnecessary but leads to violation of human rights, Dr Sidhu commented.

While observing that film is a power medium through which we can sensitise the people and combat spread of HIV/AIDS, Dr Sidhu, however, for wider audience, it would be desirable that the short film which was released today is either dubbed or sub-titled.

In that case, it would have a wider reach and audience, not only in India, but also abroad, he added.

Former National Consultant NACO, New Delhi Dr Khomdon Lisam presided over the fucntion.

The short film titled Ningol Pukning deals the social stigma and discrimination being faced by the HIV/AIDS affected persons in sociaty, specially the women.

Kh Vishwamitra and Kh Kuleswar are co-directors of the film produced by Video Film Production Centre, Singjamei Keithel under the sponsorship of Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS).

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