AT Photo
Imphal,Dec 2-Manipur Governor La. Ganesan while attending the World AIDS Day observation in Imphal on Wednesday lauded the steps taken up by the state government in combating HIV/AIDS in the border state.
Addressing the World AIDS Day observation at 1st MR parade ground in Imphal, Governor Ganesan said, "I'm happy to know the state has made a state AIDS policy and which has been very effective. I have to understand that Manipur was the first and only state in the country to have a state AIDS policy as early as 1996."
Governor also expressed happiness at the announcement of the state chief minister N Biren Singh that the state government will start doorstep delivery of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for people living with HIV/AIDS(PLHIV).
It may be mentioned that in the day's observation, Biren Singh announced that the state government will start doorstep delivery of ART for PLHIV from December 2021.
Sharing the information in a tweet as well, Biren Singh wrote, "Attended the World Aids Day observation along with Hon'ble Governor Shri La Ganesan Ji at 1st MR Ground. As a step towards ensuring people living with HIV/AIDS lead a normal life without discrimination & stigma, the State Govt will start doorstep delivery of ART from this month."
Later in another Facebook post, he wrote, "It is my appeal to everyone to continue supporting one another as we continue our fight against AIDS and build a better Manipur."
The World AIDS Day observation was held at the 1st battalion Manipur Rifles parade ground in Imphal.The state Ministers, MLAs and top officials of the state government and representatives of the NGOs were also present during the day's observation.
This year the World AIDS Day is observed with the theme "End Inequalities,End AIDS," highlighting the fact that as much as the virus itself,the social stigma attached with it also greatly affects people.
According to reports, Manipur is recorded as one of the states in the country with high number of PLHIV, having a percentage of 0.51 of total population which is above the national average of 0.24 per cent.
Currently 13,456 PLHIV are taking ART as of September 2021. Out of which, adult male is 6067; adult female is 6102; transgender is 94, male child is 427 and female child is 446.The first HIV positive case in Manipur was reported in February 1990.
