World AIDS Day observed in city; Survivor speaks of ordeal
SHILLONG: The crying need for societal acceptance and eradication of discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV) was stressed upon during the observation of World AIDS Day at the U Soso Tham auditorium here on Thursday.
In a society that has made major advances in science and technology, medical fields and other significant approaches, a heart rending testimony by a person living with HIV currently on Antiretroviral therapy (ART) who gave birth to a HIV positive child, painted a different picture.
“Even the doctors don’t want to treat my daughter and I thought to myself it is over. Who will accept her? She is now 8 years old,” said the person.
Narrating her daughter’s ordeal in dealing with the situation, and giving the child the right nutrition, the person said, “I always wear a smile because of my daughter. Though I get tired and sometimes, I feel like giving up, I can’t be upset in front of her.”
She touched a chord with the audience when she said that she is not sick but is a person living with HIV.
Stating that her eldest daughter, though tested negative, was disallowed from attending school, she said, “I want society to accept my kids (including the youngest one).”
The theme for this year’s observation is ‘Hands up for HIV prevention’ and D. Lyngdoh, Director of Health Services (MCH & FW) and Joint Mission Director, National Heath Mission said, “The fight against (HIV/AIDS) has been taken seriously by the state government.”
Stating that the department faces various challenges in its fight, he said, “Communication is a challenge in a multi lingual state like Meghalaya. At the same time, motivating people to come forward is not an easy task.”
He observed that concerted efforts from the health, public and other sectors are the need of the hour to fight against the stigmatization associated with HIV.
“There is a need to disseminate correct information with regard to HIV to allow people suffering from it to lead a life of dignity,” he added.
He also announced the roll out of fixed-dose combination (FDC)-based daily regimen for TB-HIV co-infection and also IPT (Isoniazid preventive therapy) for PLHIV on the occasion. He termed the move as a milestone for both the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme and the AIDS Control Society in Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, World AIDS day was also observed at Baghmara in a programme organized by the District Medical & Health Officer, South Garo Hills at Baghmara Civil Hospital.
Elsewhere, University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya organized a talk on the occasion. Social activist Jahnabi Goswami, the founder of Assam Network of Positive People (ANPP) was present as a guest of honour during the function.