Imphal, January 19: THE MANIPUR Network of Positive People (MNP+) with assistance from different donors has provided educational supports to 40 children, who are victims of HIV/AIDS, said the official of the network in a function today.
Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, E Kunjakeshwore graced the flag-off ceremony of the educational support for the academic session 2009-10 held at MDU hall today.
Joint Director (Targeted Intervention) Manipur State Aids Control Society (MACS) Abhiram Mongjam presided over the function.
Kunjakeshore in his speech as chief guest said that Manipur is in the top list of HIV case in the country.
Being a poor society, the state lacks donors.
But it is very important to cultivate the sense of donating for the child victims of HIV/AIDS, he added.
He further said that around 12% of HIV victims in Manipur are children.
Out of these, many positive people are keeping it a secret due to the fear of stigma and discrimination.
Vice President, MNP+, Ajitshwor said that MNP+ is providing school uniform, text books, medicines and school fees to the victim children of HIV/AIDS with extended helps from many doctors.
MNP+ has so far provided educational supports to 900 child victims from different districts of Manipur since last year.
He further said that around 80% of the guardians of the child victims denied providing educational support to the victim children they fear of discrimination.
AMADA, CADA, AMSU, Romi Bags and many other individuals extended financial helps to the network while carrying out the activities, said Ajitshwor.
State Coordinator, UN (AIDS) Sushil Huidrom said that providing educational support to the child victims of HIV is a good step.
If they are not provided such facilities, nobody can say about their future.
But the questions that arise here is, how long can this support be given to them.
"Supporting them by forming a forum might prove useful," he said.
Abhiram Mongjam in his speech said that the issue of HIV/AIDS is a social, political and economical issue.
It is a good way to provide educational support in bringing social change in our society.
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