IMPHAL, May 7: As in other parts of the world, the World AIDS Orphans Day was observed by Women Development Association, Wangjing at the multipurpose hall of Lamding Model School, Thoubal district today.
The observance function was attended by Chairperson of Manipur Industry Development Council, P Loken; District Supervisor of DAPCH Thoubal, Thoudam Openkumar; Member of Wangjing-Lamding Municipal Council Ward no 4, S Manihar; Director of Harvest of Jubilee International, Pastor M Ranjit and social worker T Indubala as presidium members.
Delivering key note address, secretary of WDA, M Inaotombi stated that it is high time to collectively discuss the status of people living with HIV/AIDS especially orphans to ensure that they are not discriminated in the society.
She said that that orphans inflicted with HIV/AIDS should be brought up like any other normal children and offered them with proper education and accommodation to ensure their future.
If they are not treated properly then it is most likely that they will live with social stigma when they are grown up. They are also vulnerable to suicidal tendencies if proper care is not given to them, she said.
Informing that there are around 115 HIV positive children and 200 with either their mother or father is HIV positive alone in Thoubal district, the secretary of WDA noted that they may commit anti-social elements if they are ill-treated in the society.
During the function, gifts were presented to several orphans living with HIV/AIDS from the side of Women Development Association.
The FXBIS Manipur Branch also observed the 14th World AIDS Orphans Day on the theme `Walking for AIDS Orphans`™ in their Singjamei Office today with Nolinikanta, President, Community Network for Empowerment; Dr. Manglem, Senior Medical Officer, ART Centre, JNIMS and Radhamani, Senior Nurse, JNIMS as the president, chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
The observation was also participated by several stakeholders including HIV+ orphans.
The organisation`™s website fxbsuraksha was also launched on the occasion.
`World AIDS Orphan day is observed to extend solidarity and highlight the plight of children affected by AIDS and most importantly, to remind the government regarding the objectives under the United Nation`™s Declaration of commitment on HIV/AIDS.` explained K Sunil Meitei, Project Officer, FXB India Suraksha Manipur.
FXBIS supports about 97 children in Imphal East under its comprehensive care and support programme which assist HIV and AIDS affected People with nutrition, education, medical, psychosocial and income generating activities, he said.