Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, June 3
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here has been annual rise of new HIV cases in the North Eastern states from 5549 (new cases) in 2001 to 6460 (new cases) in 2011. The total number of HIV infected persons in the whole of North East region is 63,049 with Manipur leading the list with 25369 and Sikkim at the lowest with just 593 cases. This is just a contrast to the national trend where an overall decline rate in India is 57% recorded from 2001 to 2011.
This data was revealed during a seminar “North East Conflict” organised by Manipur State AIDS Control Society and partners at Hotel Classic here today.
Addressing the programme, Oussama Tawil, who is the co-ordinator of UNAIDS in India, said they are now shifting their focus to the North East region saying concerted awareness has begun in this regard. He said funding has begun and the study is also underway in the region.Seeking the cooperation of the locals and NGOs working in the field, Tawil said, “Without their support we are helpless.”
KB Agarwal, who is the Joint Secretary of Department of AIDS Control (DAC), Government of India, stated that the method of fighting AIDS in the mainland India cannot be applied in the North East region. He said situation in the North East region is very different from the rest of India and suggested to have measures that suit the region while fighting the disease.
Manipur chief secretary PC Lawmkunga, speaking on the occasion, said the fight against AIDS in the region is a big challenge. He opined that the approach and perception of the people suffering from this disease need to be changed.
