IMPHAL, April 24: The three days “Grass-root Advocacy for PLHIV” from April 22nd – 24th was organized by World Vision India in Imphal with the aim of strengthening the capacity of the communities to address issues facing People Living with HIV/AIDS and Children according to a press release.
Program Manager of World Vision Paul T. Touthang said that it has been globally recognized that an effective response to the HIV epidemic requires effective partnership and the active involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) at every level. “Protecting the fundamental human rights of people living with HIV are a key factor in ensuring better access to care and prevention programs. This program aims to empower people living with HIV at the grassroots level to get the attention they deserve from the policymakers, the media and society,” he said.
Addressing the participants, Daisy David of World Vision India shared from her experience, the importance of capacity building and grass root-level advocacy to ensure that the rights of PLHIVs are protected.
“To be empowered, one needs to be aware of information related to treatment, employment of women, government schemes, children rights, issues on stigma, discrimination etc. These empowered groups will be able to advocate on issues faced by people living with HIV in their own communities” she added.
Altogether, 50 PLHIV participants both from Imphal East and Imphal West districts participated in the 3 days Grass-root Advocacy capacity program. During the interaction, various issues and challenges were presented by the group to the Districts AIDS Prevention and Control Unit officials present on the concluding day.