IMPHAL, August 31: A mass campaign on “Right to live” for women living with HIV/AIDS spouses was held at Thambalkhong Sanglen organized by the Platform for Positive Women, Keshtrigao; Christian Network of Positive Women, Manipur and other self-support groups today.
Before the campaign, a mass rally was also taken out starting from Naharup and concluding at Thambalkhong Sanglen.
A memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and copies were also submitted to the Governor of Manipur; Jairam Ramesh, Union Rural Development Minister.
The memorandum demanded the implementation of the Revised Drafted Manipur State AIDS policy 2010; expedite the drafting process and implement the Manipur State drug policy; develop infrastructure and facilities at every ART centre such as seating arrangements, clean toilet, etc.; ensure & expedite PLHA schemes and benefits – such as (the existing social welfare schemes I program – compulsorily and strictly reach the targeted population providing PDS items to every PLHIV family at subsidized rate), provide free laboratory (periodical) examination for every PLHA, provide 01 medicines free of cost and accessible to all the Govt. health centre; Improve & ensure CD4 count machines and accessible at every ART centers.
It further said that the people Manipur have been affected by HIV since late 1980s.
The directive of the Supreme Court for providing comprehensive care (clean and hygienic, clean drinking water, seating arrangement and clean toilet) for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA`s) at ART centre is not being maintained and still facing acute challenges to access to basic health care, supportive medicine, food, education of children, housing etc, it claimed.