The Manipur government on the occasion of Worlds AIDS Day 2022 Thursday announced house-to-house HIV and AIDS testing in the state under the CM’s Health for All programme.
The theme for this year's World AIDS Day is "Equalize," which aims to empower all to address the urgent need for the protection of human rights through HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.
In Manipur, the Manipur State AIDS Control Society organised the event at 1sr MR Ground, Imphal, Manipur with the aim to raise awareness about AIDS and remember those who lost their lives to the disease.
Speaking at the event, Governor La Ganesan said ‘World AIDS day’ is an important event particularly in Manipur, where several people experienced the impact of HIV in the last two decades.
“I do hope that the number of infected persons might have decreased significantly due to the relentless efforts made by selfless NGOs with the help of the state government,” Ganesan said.
The governor said Manipur was the first and only state in India to have a State AIDS Policy as early as 1996. Now, it is imperative to make modifications and improvements in the policy statement in tune with the changing scenario, he said.
Suggestions from intellectuals and experts would help society in mitigating the menace of HIV and AIDS in Manipur, he said, adding that small children should get utmost care and protection.
Calling upon the society for a greater involvement to help contain drugs menace in the fight against HIV and AIDS to safeguard Manipur’s future, he said, “It is unfortunate that the state is identified as an epicentre of HIV and AIDS, while it is also known for games and sports, arts and culture”.
Saying that several women may have contracted the virus from their infected partners out of ignorance and negligence, he appealed to all young women to remain aware not only for their own protection but also for saving the future generation.
Pointing out that the HIV and AIDS issue is no longer a mere health issue, but has affected all aspects of life such as socio-economic-legal, human rights and even politics in the state, the governor said, “Concerted efforts of health officials and concerned activists of the state will not be sufficient in tackling the issue”.
The governor appealed to young people, particularly women, to participate actively in the programmes and policies of the government and NGOs in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Meanwhile, expressing serious concern, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, “It is not a celebration programme, it is an issue of generations”.
It is unfortunate that the state government started a door-to-door delivery system of ART, but some people objected due to fear of stigma from society, Biren said.
The state government included HIV/AIDS free testing and treatment among 10 treatments free of cost at home. According to the World Aids Day report, 28,000 are taking ART in the state.
There is a report of using drugs by 12 years old youth in the state, Biren said, adding that some communities don't want to mention the community’s name while continuing to be a drug smuggler or business as a profession. Some set up drug factories, some not stopping poppy plantations and most importantly, some persons who are in SOO are doing drug business in the state, he said.
Biren said there is also a report of increasing syringe users among youth. Calling for timely detection, he appealed to drug smugglers to give up drugs and cultivators to stop poppy cultivation. He also appealed to people to come out and get treatment.
Expressing concern about the climate variation of the state, Biren said the hills today are becoming barren due to human activities.
During the programme, the governor launched ‘HIV/Syphilis dual screening under the CM Health for All programme and handed over HIV/Syphilis dual testing kids to the state nodal officer of CM’s Health for All and team. He also released the Manipur State AIDS Control Society 2023 wall calendar.
Further, the governor released posters ‘U=U (Undetectable and Un-transmissible) developed by MACS, CDS-PATH under PEPFAR support.
The governor also felicitated Chandel ARTC and PCoE JNIMS for outstanding centres in Manipur.
In Manipur, there are 13 ART centres with 14,153 PLHIV alive and on ART. Of it, 499 PLHIV for Chandel and 445 PLHIV for Paediatric Centre of Excellence, JNIMS PCoE are alive and on ART.
For the last quarter (July to September 2022), 13 ARTCs were assessed on 12 indicators as per the NACOs Score Card. During the assessment, Chandel ARTC stands out to be the best and PCoE JNIMS is the second best ARTC.
During the programme, two children’s homes namely, Tabitha Home and Carmel Jyoti Home, were presented certificates of appreciation for good service and contribution.
Many children in the state were infected and affected by HIV/AIDS during the last three decades. MSAC said it is collaborating with two children at home without financial support. A total 101 children were taking comprehensive HIV care services, including basic needs like shelter, education, extracurricular activities etc. Out of 101 children, 46 of them were Children Living with HIV and AIDS taking services from the two homes (Tabitha 22, Carmel Jyoti, 22).
Certificate of appreciation was also conferred upon Nirbhaya Foundation, Imphal East for obtaining ‘A Grade’ in evaluation conducted by Saksham Praman XIM University.
The Meitei Leimarol Sinnai Sang, Imphal West; Rural Voluntary Services, Thoubal; Social Awareness and Services Organisation, Imphal East and and Kripa Society, Imphal East were also given appreciation certificate for obtaining ‘A grade’ in evaluation conducted by SAKSHAM Praman XIM University, Bhubaneshwar.
The World AIDS Day programme was also attended by Health Minister Sapam Ranjan; US Consul General, Kolkata, Melinda Pavek, ministers and DGP, Manipur among others.
