IMPHAL, December 1: Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO) has observed World AIDS Day 2012 under the theme “Getting to Zero” at the premise of Community Care Center for Children at Haobam Marak Lourembam Maning Leikai today.
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the occasion Up-Adhyaksha of Imphal East Zilla Parishad Thokchom Saratchandra said, when every community walk hand in hand the objective “Getting to Zero” will be attained. He also announced that he will help in admitting the children of the Communiy Care Center in a school next year.
The function was graced by Chief Medical Officer, Imphal East and District AIDS Control Officer, Imphal East Dr Momota Mukherjee, and K Birjit Singh, President, SASO as Chief Guest and President respectively.
Dr Momota Mukherjee said awareness on HIV and AIDS among every section of the people is very less. So awareness is very much needed to attain the theme of the observation.
A training programme is being conducted for women living with HIV. Forms for the second phase of the programme will be available in the CMO office from December 15, 2012. BPL cards were also provided to 196 families of the people living with HIV, she added.
Meanwhile, World AIDS Day has also been observed along with a rally today at Ningthoukhong organised by District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee, Bishnupur under the year’s theme “Getting to Zero”.
Giving her keynote address at the occasion District AIDS Officer Dr W Purnima said, the observance would give awareness on the disease and its prevention among the people. There are 5 HIV testing units, along with HIV clinic and ART centre in the district.
The occasion was graced by RK Bimola, Councillor of Ningthoukhong Municipal Council; Dr NG Hemantakumar, CMO; and Dr Th Premchand, Medical Superintendent as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.
Meanwhile, the 27 Assam Rifles of 28 Sector has also organized a seminar cum presentation on the theme ‘AIDS: Global Pandemic and its Impact on the Local Communities.’ on the occasion of World AIDS day at KHA Manipur College, Kakching on December 1.
The speakers informed the locals that the theme for World AIDS Day 2012 is `Getting to Zero` and after 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year we are committed to focusing on achieving 3 targets: “Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths”, the PRO release said.
The event also included free testing for HIV for the volunteers, demonstration and awareness capsule and concluded with a pledge taken by all present that World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us- individuals and communities to take on the challenge of getting to zero, the release added.
In another occasion, 35 Assam Rifles of 28 Sector also organized an awareness campaign against HIV/AIDS on the occasion of “World AIDS Day” at Sajik Tampak.
Similarly, 44 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) in collaboration with Compassion School, Kamjong observed World AIDS Day at Chassad-Kamjong villages of Ukhrul District.