IMPHAL, December 1: According to an UNAIDS estimate, a total of 34.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS around the globe and out of this 2.1 million are children while the rest are adults: males and females, and 2.5 million are newly infected with HIV as of December 2012 (as UNAIDS report 2012).
This was stated by Manipur Network of Positive People president L Deepak during an observation of the World AIDS Day today.
He said Manipur ranks third among the HIV/AIDS high prevalence States of the country.
The Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) in collaboration with the Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) jointly observed the day at the Manipur Press Club.
The observation was supported by the India HIV/AIDS Alliance VIHAAN Project and MACS promoting the theme which was coined by UNAIDS for the period 2011 to 2015 ‘Getting to Zero, Zero New HIV Infection, Zero Discrimination, Zero AIDS-Related Death.’
He said according to the epidemiological May 2013 report of the Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS), 43,171 are living with HIV/AIDS out of which 12,173 are women and 2,811 are children.
Manipur now stands at a critical juncture in the fight against HIV and AIDS as each and every one of us is vulnerable to HIV, even as unborn child is at risk and the seriousness cannot be neglected, he held.
World AIDS Day is observing on December 1 since 1988 to highlight the overwhelming number of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and to honor those who have passed away because of HIV and AIDS, he said.
Deepak said that the campaign focuses on Getting to Zero signifies a push towards greater access to treatment for all provides an opportunity to address HIV/AIDS disparities, HIV-related stigma, blame and spark dialogue about stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS among all populations. This disease changes the life of family, friends and community.
Joint Director Manipur AIDS Control Society, Mongjam Abhiram said that even as the target of getting Zero could not be achieved during the stipulated period but to some percent the effort made by MACS and other organization was successful.
He recalled that since 2004 ART treatment was started in RIMS and JNIMS concerning for people living with HIV/AIDS and till now Manipur is leading in giving treatment and awareness towards HIV/AIDS as compare to other states in the country.
The MACS is trying to achieve getting to zero, zero new HIV infection, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related death by conducting several awareness programmed and various treatment, he said.
However, there is inadequate materials to satisfy the need of people living with HIV/AIDS of Manipur adding that he mention they will continued their task successfully.
Mongjam Abhiram asserted that the machine and apparatus for HIV/AIDS related treatment kept in the MACS will be upgraded soon for the welfare of PLHV.
He appealed the public to support in their struggle while asking to do away with the practice of stigma or discrimination towards them PLHV. At the same time, he also suggested for the need to organise proper advocacy program in schools, college and other educational institutions.
The theme emphasizes the role that we all play in helping to stop the spread of HIV and to stop stigma.