Manipur: Number of HIV positive women on the rise in State

[Guest guest]

Number of HIV positive women on the rise in State

Wed, 10 Mar 2010

IMPHAL: The number of HIV positive women in Manipur has been steadily increasing

over the last 10 years, according to Project Director (Technical) of Manipur

State AIDS Control Society Dr Kh Pramodkumar.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the prog- ramme titled ‘Knowledge for

action now’ at the State Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak here today, Dr

Pramodkumar informed that the current rate of HIV prevalence among the women in

Manipur is an alarming 35 percent as against 17 percent 10 years back.

Out of the test conducted on every 100 pregnant women in Manipur, 1.3 percent of

them are detected as confirmed cases of HIV. This shows that the mode of HIV

transmission in Manipur is becoming more through sexual route, Dr Pramodkumar,

who was the functional president, said, adding that in fact HIV transmission

among injecting drug users (IDUs) which used to be the major cause of concerned

has come down to a large extent.

With increased number of HIV transmission through sexual route, the number of

HIV positive women and children has been on the rise. At present, there are an

estimated 8000 women living with HIV in Manipur, Dr Pramodkumar disclosed.

The programme which would continue for two days is being organised jointly by

Centre for Human Progress, Prodigals’ Home, Kripa Foundation, Care Foundation

and Galaxy Club. The programme is sponsored by UNAIDS.

Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Ng Nongyai was the chief guest of the

inaugural function which was also attend- ed by Deputy Director of Social

Welfare Department Sanajaoba as guest of honour.

In his address as the chief guest, Ng Nongyai observed that the issue of

HIV/AIDS in Manipur is one of the most serious issues that the Government ought

to give priority in tackling it.

There are nearly 30,000 unreported cases of HIV infection in Manipur and the

problem is likely to be more serious on account of Manipur being a border State

as well as in the light of various other issues including coming of the trans-

Asian highway. So there is an urgent need to finalise a legislation to control

HIV in the State, Nongyai opined.

Youth from Nagaland and Manipur are participating in the programme which aims to

impart thorough knowledge on various issues related to HIV, health care and

Human rights. As part of the programme, an exhibition displaying various

products like garments and eatables made by HIV positive women as well as

showcasing of photographs and other arts is also being organised.

Source:Thesangaiexpress

Tarit Chakraborty.

Vice-President BNP+.

Secretary NHP+{Network of Hooghly People LIving with HIV/AIDS}.

E-Mail-tarit34@...//tarit34@....

Phone-09836813069 .