AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day Observed Solemnly NGOs urge for amended AIDS policy

Source:

Imphal, May 19 2013: While observing the International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day at JN Dance Academy today, 16 NGOs have urged the authorities to implement an amended Manipur State AIDS policy within three months.

Generally, International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day is observed on the third Sunday of May in solidarity with the people who have succumbed to AIDS.

The observance was jointly organised by MNP+, SASO, Community Network for Empowerment, Care Foundation, Lifeline Foundation, Kripa Society, All Manipur Nupi Manbi Association, AMADA, CORE, Human Rights Alert, Christian Network of Positive Women, Dedicated Peoples’ Union, FXP India Suraksha and the All Manipur Bar Association with support from Manipur State AIDS Control Society.

The function was graced by Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshore as chief guest and Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar as president.

MLAs Dr I Ibohalbi, RK Anand and MSACS project director SK Chaurasia were also seated on the dais.

Speaking on the occasion and quoting latest data collected by MSACS, MNP+ president L Dipak said that more than 42,000 people are HIV positive in Manipur.

This is an alarming figure given the total population of Manipur which is just around 27/28 lakhs.

The international community is fighting against HIV/AIDS under UNAIDS so as to ensure no more people die due to HIV/AIDS and there is no new infection by HIV and people living with HIV are freed from any kind of stigma or discrimination, Dipak said.

However, people living with HIV have been enduring several hardships in Manipur.

On behalf of the 16 organisers, Dipak demanded revival of the Manipur Legislative Forum on HIV/AIDS, implementation of an amended Manipur State AIDS policy within three months and issuance of BPL cards to all people living with HIV.

Speaker Th Lokeshore called upon all 60 MLAs of Manipur to ascertain the number of people living with HIV within their respective Assembly segments and help them whenever necessary.

Dr Kh Ratankumar appealed to NGOs to make an arrangement under which MLAs can be connected with people living with HIV.

He also sought suggestions from the NGOs what the MLAs and can do for the welfare of HIV positive people.

Dr I Ibohalbi noted that the Manipur State AIDS Policy framed in 1996 is now outdated.

Though it has been two years since the drug policy was amended, it has not been implemented till date.

MSACS project director SK Chaurasia said that maximum efforts would be put in to implement the amended AIDS policy which is currently in the form of draft.

via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India | India's No1 online News Magazine http://www.necalling.com/aids-candle-light-memorial-day-observed-solemnly-ngos-urge-for-amended-aids-policy/