IMPHAL, December 14: A one day State Exposition showcasing the journey undertaken by district level networks of People Living with HIV/AIDS during the course of the Access to Care & Treatment (ACT) program to Promoting Access to Care & Treatment (PACT) programme on the theme “Lead-Empower-Deliver” was organized by the Population Foundation of India (Manipur State Unit, PFI) at Hotel Classic on December 11.
Inaugurating the State Exposition, Suresh Kumar Chaurasia, Project Director Manipur State AIDS Control Society said that NGOs and positive networks should not remain dependent only on external funding support but take the opportunity of existing program initiatives to build capacity and develop skills and then take ownership to forge sustainable ventures. He reiterated, “Donors won’t stay forever so affected communities should grab what is available, imbibe learning’s and create sustainability.”
Validating the concerted efforts being made at various levels in the state, Dr Ksh Usha, District Family Imphal West said that the theme of the State Exposition, “Lead-Empower-Deliver” complements the efforts on the ground to meeting the “getting to zero” theme of the World AIDS Day observations around the world. She further urged that if promises are made, they should be delivered so that all PLHIV are able to live with dignity and a life of quality.
The State Exposition (Manipur) also featured a panel discussion on the theme of entrepreneurship and sustainability with Dhanachandra, Propeitor Romi Bag and P Loken of the Manipur Industrial Development Council (MIDC) speaking as Panelists.
Representatives of 8 district level Positive network and that of Sugnu took part in the Exposition, displaying traditional shawls and Phaneks, fresh organic vegetables, preserved fruits, aggarbatti, cane and jute bags.
Sharing their experiences at the exposition, representatives of PLHIV groups mentioned their journey of coping with their HIV positive status, forming small groups, getting their skills and capacity built and then facing challenges while trying to take up economically viable initiatives.