Manipur today has the third highest number of HIV cases in India, with a total of 28,500 positive cases, Manipur State Aids Control Society (MACS) assistant director Phanjoubam Lanngamba said at a media worshop in Churachandpur Wednesday.
The workshop on Newly adopted HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act 2017, which was held at Synod Hall, IB Road in Churachandpur district, was organised by Khelen Thokchom Trust (KTT), Manipur with support from Manipur State AIDS control Society and journalists from the district.
Churachandpur has 4,239 total HIV positive cases of which, 105 total HIV positive cases were detected during the period April-July 2022, and 2,072 are undertaking ART treatment, Churachandpur District AIDS control Officer (DAO) Romeo Senate said at the workshop.
The DAO commended KTT, Manipur for organising such a programme on HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act 2017
Phanjoubam Lanngamba spoke on the topic ‘Media Ethics on HIV & AIDS reporting’ and mentioned that MACS was established on March 28, 1988 to monitor HIV cases in the state. He added that with total positive cases of 28,500, the state ranks the third highest state with HIV in India.
“The aim is to eliminate the virus by the year 2030, and it can be made possible through mass testing at the high risk areas followed by the necessary steps for treatment,” he said.
Phanjoubam Lanngamba also mentioned the importance of the media in disseminating awareness and information to the public.
The workshop, which began with a welcome address by KTT general secretary Sobhapatti Samon, concluded with an interaction programme with experts from MACS and reporters from Churachandpur Working Reporters Union and Churachandpur District Journalist Union.
IEC and Mainstreaming, MACS, Omajit Laishangthem and Manipuri Hill Journalists' Union (MHJU) general secretary S Nengkhanlun attended as presidium members.
