A candle in the wind for the HIV positive

[Guest guest]

A candle in the wind for the HIV positive

The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 20: As will be done elsewhere in the world, the Manipur

Network of Positive People is observing International Candlelight

Memorial Day on May 21.

According to Dr A Gojendra Meetei, deputy director, Manipur State

AIDS Control Society, `The candlelight memorial is a day to take

stock of what is being done. It is not just a day to remember those

we have lost to HIV/AIDS but also to look at what we can do for

people living with HIV/AIDS. We need to strive towards a collective

response`

Benu, a counselor of MNP+ who is also a PWLA says, `Last year, the

memorial was merely an event for me and did not have much

significance. I had just come in to MNP+ to seek counseling and

support. Gradually, I have realized that it is important to struggle

and assert our rights. The training and group sharing have empowered

me and today I an a role model for others. This Candlelight, I am

determined to reach out to others who are affected and to encourage

them to come out and seek services.

For others like Shyamo, observing the Candlelight memorial is a

somber experience. Shyamo who is an ex-drug user and currently a

PWLA councillor with the MNP+ says `I remember my brother and

friends who died of HIV/AIDS. It also makes me think about my five

year old son who is now on ART. I feel that we are more fortunate

than others who do not even have access to basic health care. Over

the years, I have got the courage to be an example for other HIV

positive people.`

Benu and Shyamo are beneficiaries of the free ART roll out in

Manipur. Both agree that free ART availability has changed the lives

of many but contend that treatment facilities have to be sealed up

in proportion to the number of people affected.

Reflecting this concern, L Deepak, president MNP+ says `Yes, things

have improved but there`s scope for more. There is need to scale up

existing programs : give more treatment slots, update and equip

testing facilities, provide pediatric ART solutions for children.

Also, there should be a strong political commitment to the issues

being faced by PWLAs. The observation is a reminder for all of us

that there is more to be done.`

Over 100 people living with HIV/AIDS, representatives from non

governmental organisations of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal

Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Mizoram have also gathered in Aizawl

to observe the Candle Lights Memorial Day on May 21.

http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?

template=headline & newsid=31573 & typeid=1 & Idoc_Session=994a2d5f691815bd

9e656115197d484f