International Aids Candlelight Memorial observed in Khliehriat

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 31, 2022

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2022 was observed today at Khliehriat West Community Hall, East Jaintia Hills District on the theme “We Remember- We take action- We live beyond HIV ”.

Organized by the Meghalaya State Network of Positive People (MSNP+), in collaboration with the Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram(RKSK), East Jaintia Hills District.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, A Baranwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat said that IEC materials, posters, and hoarding related to HIV/AIDS will be put up across the district and, he urged all the stakeholders, line departments to join hands in conducting an awareness campaign on HIV/ AIDS to raise more awareness among the public, especially the youth.  

The Deputy Commissioner also stressed on the need to prevent stigmatization and discrimination against people with HIV. He also informed that a law has been passed to empower the people living with HIV/AIDS, which makes confidentiality a legal requirement and criminalizes discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS while also stating that the District Administration along with the Police Department will ensure that this law is implemented in the district.

Dr (Mrs). N. P. Suchiang, DIO, I/C, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat in her speech as guets of honour said that the main aim of the Meghalaya State Network of Positive People (MSNP+) is to mobilize more people infected and affectedby HIV by working together with all the line departments like the District Authority, Law enforcement agencies, health department, NGOs, students community and the general public as a whole.

She informed the gathering that in all health facilities there are three diagnostic centres and in the East Jaintia Hills District there are 8 (Eight) facilities, and two ICTC centres that is Khliehriat Civil Hospital and Sutnga CHC providing free diagnostic and treatment. “Apart from these, there is also an early infant diagnosis for the infants who are born to HIV pregnant mothers which can be done at Khliehriat Civil Hospital, Sutnga CHC”, she added. She also informed that a link ART will also be set up at Khliehriat soon. Dr (Mrs). N. P. Suchiang urged the people with HIV who are aware of their status to come forward for confirmation and seek treatment.

Ajoy M Lanong, Assistant Director, Main Streaming Meghalaya Aids Control Society said that the observation of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial has brought together people in every region of the world to honour those who lost their lives to AIDS, support people living with HIV and demonstrate the importance of civil society which plays a central role in HIV treatment, prevention, care and support   

Speaking on the HIV and AIDS ACT 2017, he stated that the bill has been drafted to safeguard the rights of people living with HIV and affected by HIV and under this Act, an HIV positive person being discriminated in public or private sector can take legal recourse against such acts of discrimination. The provisions of the Act also seek to address HIV-related discrimination, strengthen the existing programme by bringing legal accountability, and establishing a formal mechanism to enquire into complaints and redressing grievances. 

Barry L Kharmalki, General Secretary Meghalaya State Network of Positive People in his speech said that HIV related death is preventable and he stressed on the need for all line departments to work in tandem with each other in addressing HIV and other types of comorbidities such  HIV, Tuberculosis(TB) or hepatitis C that are associated with HIV deaths. He also stated that with the advancement in the field of medical science we need to start bringing in newer and superior drugs  for treatment of TB and MDR-TB as most of the people in the state and the country are dying due to Tuberculosis(TB).

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner led the candle lighting which also saw participation from all the attendees in the programme, followed by a one-minute silence and a special prayer for the infected and affected families. During the programme, testimonials were also shared by Smti. Agui Daimei and Smti. Virgil Suchiang.

The programme was also attended by R Passah, District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Teibor Kyndiah, District Child Protection Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Dr. P. Nongtdu, Principal Jaintia Eastern College, Daphihi Passah, Adolescent Health Counsellor, Khliehriat Civil Hospital.