SHILLONG: A positive attitude towards life can help HIV+ patients fight back, said Chief Secretary Y Tsering on Saturday.
Speaking at a programme organised to mark the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day organised by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Tsering observed that the stigma attached to HIV and AIDS patients has reduced due to large scale awareness programmes. At the same time, he advised youths to be careful.
“Awareness is very important and participation is needed from community NGOs and civil societies as the situation is alarming everywhere,” he said while speaking on the topic ‘Live Life Positively- Know Your HIV Status’.
He said significant progress has been made in response to HIV/AIDS all across the globe “but we still have miles to go”.
“HIV testing is essential for expanding treatment and ensuring that all people living with HIV can lead healthy and productive lives, he added. More HIV testing facilities will come up in the state,” he added.
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary and president of Meghalaya Aids Control Society (MACS) PW Ingty said the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is increasing in different parts of the State and it is important to focus on those areas which are more vulnerable. All stakeholders including civil society organisations, NGOs, and educational institutes and community leaders should make an effort to spread the awareness of 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 as a part of the observation.
It may be mentioned that a 10 per cent increase in HIV infection is detected every year, as per National AIDS Control Organisation report.
Meghalaya comes in third position with the top first and second rank occupied by Mizoram and Nagaland respectively under HIV prevalence in Ante Natal Check-up sites in India in 2017.
HIV prevalence among female sex workers in India showed Meghalaya occupying the second rank next to Mizoram.