SHILLONG: At a time when the state is grappling with the rising number of HIV positive cases, there was a renewed call for the need to remove the stigma attached to people with the infection on World AIDS Day on Friday.
Addressing the occasion at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture, the chairperson of Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Meena Kharkongor, said awareness and support must be strengthened in every department and society should not discriminate such people.
“There must be a concerted effort to look after HIV positive people with love, support and quality treatment,” she added.
Kharkongor stressed on the need to ensure that people who start treatment can stay on effective treatment so as to prevent becoming HIV drug resistant.
“HIV drug resistant state develops when people do not adhere to the prescribed treatment plan, often because they do not have consistent access to quality HIV treatment and care,” she said.
Referring to figures in which she found that even children are affected with the virus, Kharkongor said the Commission welcomes any coordination for the cause from Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS).
In a speech by a representative of Meghalaya State Network of Positive People (MSNP+) pointed to the discrimination faced by people suffering from HIV.
“Don’t grade us by our status,” she said, adding that she has been asked to vacate her house after house owners came to know about her status.
Later, in the day to mark the occasion, there was a bike rally, signature campaign and performances by Meghalaya Icon 6.
Students of Indian Institute of Professional Studies performed a play to spread awareness on HIV-AIDS.
Meanwhile, Bridge of Hope, a Believers Eastern Church Project for Underprivileged children of Shillong Diocese observed World AIDS Day on December 1 under the theme, “My health, my right”. The Diocese and bridge of hope staff, took part in a rally. The Church organized similar programmes throughout all its bridge of Hope centers to raise awareness on World AIDS Day.
MLCU event
Martin Luther Christian University in collaboration with MACS observed World AIDS Day by pinning red ribbons on students, faculty and staff.
The Red Ribbon Club of the university had earlier in the week organised various competitions and a discussion on the issue.
