SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Y Tsering has asked the People Living with HIV/AIDS to live their positively as many HIV positive people are living their life to the fullest because of their positive approach.
Speaking at a programme organised on the occasion of the World AIDS Day, by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society with the theme ‘Live Life Positively- Know Your HIV Status’ here on Saturday, the Chief Secretary said that if people had positive thinking, they could fight back the HIV
He also expressed his happiness that that stigma attached to HIV AIDS had reduced due to large scale awareness programmes being conducted in this regard even as he urged youths to safeguard themselves against HIV/AIDS.
“Awareness is very important and participation is needed from community NGOs and civil societies since situation is alarming everywhere,” he said
He said, significant progress had been made in response to HIV/AIDS all across the globe, but we still have miles to go. “The HIV testing is essential for expanding treatment and ensuring that all people living with HIV can lead healthy and productive lives,” he said adding more HIV testing facilities will come up in the State.
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary and president of Meghalaya Aids Control Society (MACS), PW Ingty said that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS was increasing in different parts of the State and it was important to focus on those areas which were more vulnerable. All stakeholders including civil society organisations, NGOs, and educational institutes and community leaders should make an effort to spread the awareness on HIV/AIDS.
Earlier, the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour distributed the awards and prizes to the winners of various competitions that were held on the occasion.