Imphal May 19 UNA : Manipur observed the 30 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day with one of the observance was held at JN Dance Academy, Imphal under the aegis of various organizations on Sunday. Speaking as chief guest of the observance, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th. Lokeshwar Singh assured that Manipur Legislative Assembly Forum on AIDS would do whatever it could in fulfilling the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in the state. Pledging support of the Forum in fighting stigma and discrimination, he also commended the leading role by the people affected with HIV and drug users in ensuring the rights of the affected people as well as reduces the spread of HIV in the state. MLA Dr I Ibohanbi who attended the function as guest of honour said that stigma and discrimination still exist in the state of Manipur. “People living with HIV and AIDS still suffer discrimination even in the Hospital where awareness should be at the top,” he said supporting the idea put up by different NGOs of the state to revise the state AIDS policy. Ibohanbi further expressed dissatisfaction to the level of understanding among the legislature about HIV and AIDS. “Legislatures should be made thoroughly understand the virus and its impact in the society” he added. “The draft State AIDS policy needs to be tabled at the earliest and discussed threadbare so that our response to the epidemic is in tune with the needs of the community,” said the MLA who also stressed on the need for bridging the gap between NGOs implementing HIV related programmes and MACS. Commenting on the observance, MACS Project Director Dr Sailesh Kumar Chourasia expressed that such solemn event provides all concerned an opportunity to reassess not only the achievement but also to chart out a course to sustain the effort. Different departments need to come together for effective implementation of relevant programmes and to tackle the issue at hand in a holistic manner, he added. Functionaries of various NGOS also elaborated on the significance of the observance with a fervent appeal to every section of the society to combat HIV/AIDS in a more effective way.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/international-aids-candlelight-memorial/
