By Our Special Correspondent
Shillong: The Meghalaya HIV/AIDS Convention 2012 held at the State Central Library premises saw the active participation of several young people, lawyers and media persons.
Several stalls have been set up for dissemination of HIV/AIDS related information.
Inaugurating the Convention on Friday, Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Charles Pyngrope, who is also the President Legislative Forum for HIV/AIDS, said the important milestone to achieve the noble targets of Zero deaths, Zero Discrimination and Zero New Infections is to expand the current programme of education. Pyngrope said it is imperative to include sex education in the school and college curriculum and to use cinematography creatively to spread awareness and maintain good health through avoidance practices.
“We need to engage civil society and the press fraternity in the noble endeavour,” the Speaker stated.
Pyngrope informed that in January 2012 he had taken a team of legislators to Vietnam, Thailand and other South East Asian countries on a learning trip to see how these countries tackled HIV AIDS.
Commissioner and Secretary Health, DP Wahlang, said Meghalaya falls under the Category C state meaning that it is vulnerable but the incidence of HIV AIDS is not high.
He however cautioned that there is no place for complacency since there is a high number of floating and migrant population.
Wahlang also informed that innovative methods have been attempted in the area of HIV AIDS prevention through use of mobile testing units in hotspots such as Khliehriat and Ladrymbai in Jaintia Hills and Nangalbibra in Garo Hills.
“We have set up 18 Integrated Counselling & Testing Centres (ICTCs) in different parts of the State to enable easy access to for people to get themselves tested,” Wahlang said.
He however pointed out to some challenges, foremost among which are funds constraints to assist those affected with Hepatitis C which usually affects people living with HIV (PLHIV).
As of October 2012 there are 1123 people who have tested HIV+. The cost of providing Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) varies between Rs 4-5 lakh annually.
Wahlang said the best strategy for addressing the issue of HIV AIDS is for the Positive Peoples’ Network to work in tandem with other people in society to ensure that there is no stigmatisation.
Wahlang cited the example of Magic Johnson the basket ball player who lives a normal life and continues to play and coach other young people twenty years after he contracted HIV.
Earlier, Dr S Laloo, Project Director for AIDS Control in Meghalaya, briefed the gathering about the various measure adopted to build awareness around the issue and such as the Red Ribbon Clubs in School and promotion of blood donation. She said the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) has been very proactive in this regard.
The two-day Convention is aimed at building national and international solidarity to address the pandemic of HIV AIDS.