By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Though Meghalaya is still considered as a C-grade state in terms of prevalence of HIV/AIDS patients, yet the same should not be taken lightly as there is an increase in the number of patients every year according to the Deputy Director of Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Dr Montu Sangma.
“North East is at its critical stage as far as HIV/AIDS is concerned and Meghalaya is no far behind though the number of patients is still minimal”, Dr Sangma said while expressing concern over the increase of patients detected with HIV/AIDS especially among women and pregnant women.
Dr Sangma was addressing a two-day sensitization programme for NEIGRIHMS nursing students on ‘HIV/AIDS and Importance of ICTC in Health Care set up’ organised by Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) in collaboration with the College of Nursing, NEIGRIHMS at its premises here on Monday.
Stressing on awareness as an important aspect to prevent this infectious virus from gaining ground, Dr Sangma said “The increase of HIV positive patients should be the concern not only of the medical practitioners but the society as a whole.” NEIGRIHMS Deputy Director DT Umdor emphasized on the need to sensitize people living in the rural areas stating that till date, people still feels that AIDS is a taboo to the society and unfortunately, it gives room for discrimination and stigma. “There is a need to inform and educate the people at the grassroot level, making them aware of the degree of sensitivity of AIDS and to brush aside their concept of AIDS” Umdor said while calling upon the students to share their knowledge to the common people and become torch bearers to the community.
Speaking as the chief guest, the Medical Superintendent of NEIGRIHMS AC Phukan said even though AIDS is not curable, therapy is there to prolong the patient’s life and the same could be prevented through awareness and the like.