Convention On Millennium Development Goals In Manipur
Convention On Millennium Development Goals In Manipur
Community Network on Empowerment (CONE), Human Rights Alert (HRA), Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), Manipur Alliance for Child Rights (MACR), Sustainable Livelihood Forum Manpur (SLFM) and United Voluntary Youth Council (UVYC) jointly organized a People's Convention on Millennium Development Goals in Manipur on 18 October 2012 at Lamyanba Snglen, Imphal, where civil society groups from all the nine district of Manipur participated.
Inaugurating the convention Mr. L. ibomcha, Chairman, Public Accounts Committee called for the need to reestablish the Manipur Human Rights Commission and to ensure that Right to Information functions effectively as transparency is the hallmark of good governance.
Delivering the welcome and keynote address Babloo Loitongbam, Executive Director, HRA, explained how the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) is the outcome of the Millennium Submit where 189 head of the states gathered at the UN in New York in 2000. MDGs are promised to be achieved by 2015. With just three years left, the convention seeks to access if live in Manipur is anywhere close to achieving these goals. Using power point presentations each of the 8 MDGs were explained.
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development
Prof. Amar Yumnam, Dean of Social Sciences, Manipur University speaking as the guest of honour highlighted how the values of freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature and responsibility informs the MDGs. He also pointed out that world is already preparing the agenda of the post 2015 development goals and morn that fact that the policy makers in Manipur is barely aware of MGDs not to talk of working for its realization. He emphasis how the issues of Legitimate Politics, Security, Justice, Employment and Communities capacity to generate revenue are going to be key concepts in shaping up the post-2015 development agenda of the world.
Four expert panelist from various networks presented their experiences in the field on the situation of the MDGs. Meihousbam Rakesh, Director, HRLN (Manipur) graphically presented how the benefits from various welfare schemes are corned by vested interest and explained how the funds are utilized in creating private assets instead of benefiting the public.
Mr. Pradeep Keisham, convenor, MACR listed out the various legislations and schemes mean for children since 2000 and high-lighted how the benefits of such laws hardly reached the children. He recommended the need for changing the social structures and system along with the legal frame work for children to actually realize their rights, the need for promptly establishing the Manipur State Child Rights Commission is also outlined.
Mr. R.K. Nolinikanta, president of CoNE pointed out even though Manipur constitutes only 0.2% of India's populations it bears the burden of supporting 8% of people living with HIV in the country. Through an action research conducted specially for this convention he pointed out challenges faced by the people living with HIV to access proper treatment.
Convention On Millennium Development Goals In Manipur
Ms. Mesiah Devi, State coordinator of SLFM presented the difficulties of the people both in the hills and valley of Manipur to access the PDS items on the basis of their public hearing conducted recently and also presented the recommendation issued by the Commission of Right to Food to the Government of Manipur after the public hearing. She also pointed mourned the fact that the recommendations remained unimplemented till date.
Activist form Tamenglong district, Ukhrul district, transgender community and other interest groups also presented their concerns with the non-realization of the MDG.
The convention concluded with a commitment from the Centre for Manipur Studies, Manipur University to come out with an annual Manipur Development Report by closely working with the frontline activist struggle for overcome the developmental challenge in Manipur.
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Negligence led to death of girl on ART, claims AIDS activist
A minor girl who was on ART died on 2nd Oct 2012, the day she was admitted to RIMS, due to the negligence and denial of second line ART by health care providers, said RK Nolinikanta,Convener Organizing Committee International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Observation, 2012.Speaking to media persons at a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, RK Nolinikanta said the girl, aged about 17 had been struggling to get second line ART for the last 11 months from State AIDS Clinical Expert Panel (SACEP) but was denied the treatment which led to her death.
The girl was on first line ART since 2001 and from 2004 she got access to first line ART from JNIMS centre. But she started facing health problems since Feb 2011 since her CD4 count decreased to107 cells/cu.mm from 393 cells/cu.mm. Further she was referred to SACEP, a forum which was instituted to provide first line alternative and second line ART at RIMS, for second line treatment on February last year.
Unfortunately, she was compelled to continue the same drug while waiting for SACEP meeting. But even after attending the said meeting for three consecutive times, she was not advised for the Viral Load Test which was important at that very stage. And for the Viral Load Test, the facility was not available at the hospital, so her sample was collected for sending it to Kolkata for the test.
A batch of 10 samples was to be sent to Kolkata but due to negligence of the authorities they failed to send the sample of the said girl, Noliniknata stated.
Nolinikanta further said equipment for viral load test are available at Babina Diagnostic Center so they sent a proposal to MACS to recommend the centre to conduct the test but it was of no use.
He further said SACEP in Manipur comprised of eight clinical experts mostly from RIMS including Deputy Director (care, transport and treatment) MACS and is headed by HOD, Medicine, RIMS.
But there has been lot of complaints and issues against the panel during the last few years, she said. Many people living with HIV and who needed second line ART have come across a number of cases in which treatment is delayed due to SACEP.
President MNP+ L Deepak said the incident is not first of its kind. He had come across cases of People Living with HIV who died waiting for SACEP’s decision for further treatment.
Grandfather of the teenager, Huidrom Nabakishor said doctors of RIMS claimed that her granddaughter died of heart attack. But he disagreed with it and said the death was due to negligence of SACEP. He stated that nobody could escape death but what hurts him the most is the way she died, from denial of second line ART.
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http://www.poknapham.in/current/Final_Page/Page_7.pdf
http://thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=426100&catid=36
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121009/jsp/northeast/story_16067189.jsp#.UHQRRq6gmSo
Free screening of Hepatitis B & C held at CoNE office
World Hepatitis day campaign
IMPHAL, August 1: As a part of the World Hepatitis Day campaign, the All Manipur Anti Drug Association (AMADA) and Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) have organized free screening of Hepatitis B & C at CoNE office today.In the free screening altogether 67 peoples which include 36 males, 30 females and one child were tested. The free screening camp was supported by MSD, Fulford (India) Limited & Bristol-Myers Squibb India Pvt. Ltd. The free screening camp was followed by an interaction with Dr KhLokeshwar Singh, Asst Professor Dept of Medicine, JNIMS and infected and affected people with hepatitis B & C. In the interaction programme the doctor shared about preventive measures, treatment options available and liver care for people who are living with hepatitis B & C.
One Day Panel Discussion on HEPATITIS on the eve of WHD 2012
The State government would discus matter related to providing Rs 1 Lakh each to all patients suffering from Hep-C and B, who are living below poverty line (BPL), Sh Surchandra, Director of Health Services, Government of Manipur has informed.
Sh Surchandra was speaking as Chief Guest on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day observance organized jointly by All Manipur Anti Drug Association (AMADA) and Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE) in collaboration with SDS Full ford (India) Ltd ; USA at the office of AMADA, Keishampat here today. The theme of this year observance is "Its closure than you think".
The Director further informed that a meeting with the specialists in the field of Hepatitis would be held at the Medical Directorate on August 3 to discuss the probabilities of providing Rs 1 Lakh to all the patients suffering from hepatitis C and B who are living below poverty line.
Financial support amounting to Rs 1 Lakh has already been started provided to BPL people suffering from Cancer, who are undergoing Kidney Transplantation and Neurological operations by the state government in its first phase. All government employees are also enjoying the benefit of late, he added.
He also stated that Hep-C and B, although seem to be diseases with little complications, however, are dreaded diseases. Once an individual is infected with these diseases, the lifespan of the individual is shortened. The vaccine for Hepatitis B has been invented but no vaccine for the treatment of Hepatitis-C has been developed till today. The government of India has taken up measures to eradicate Hep-B and accordingly vaccinations programmes for children free of cost has been taken up by the Central government, although the programme has not been taken up for adults.
In Assam and Nagaland, treatment of Hepatitis C has been done free of cost. The meeting to be conducted on August 3 would probably come up to a decision to provide free treatment in the state as well. The function was presided by Yumnam Sundari, President of AMADA. As a part of the observation a Panel Discussion on "Hepatitis" was also organized. Dr Th Joy, Addl Director, Public health, Directorate of Health Services, Government of Manipur; Dr Kh Lokeshore, Asst Prof medicine, JNIMS; S Amusana, Community representative- Living with Hep-C and Y Shashikumar, General Secretary, SASO were the panelists. Dr Ch Chandramani, former Director, Health Services, Government of Manipur was the moderator of the panel discussion.
The Recovery Alliance of MNP+ also observed World Hepatitis Day at the Secretariat Hall of Manipur Network of Positive People today. The function was graced by Dr Angomcha, Psychiatrist and RK Pururaj, President of Recovery Alliance of MNP+ as Chief Guest and President respectively. Y Shashikumar, General Secretary, SASO and Advocate I Vikramjit, who is also a public health activist, were Guests of Honour.
Speaking on the Dr Angomcha said that though Hepatitis is not his specialization, yet he has been working in the field of HIV and AIDS and drug use. He informed that 12 crores people are infected by Hepatitis C and 1/12 of the people infected by Hepatitis C are deadly. He also pointed out that though the observation is being held every year, there has been lack of effective follow up. So, there is the need to keep the momentum maintained till all important goal of accessing treatment is accessible.
http://www.ifp.co.in/imphal-free-press-full-story.php?newsid=8225&catid=2 http://www.hueiyenlanpao.com/headlines/item/3311-world-hepatitis-day-observed-statewide http://www.ifp.co.in/imphal-free-press-full-story.php?newsid=8159&catid=1
World Hepatitis Day Campaign Kicks off
World Hepatitis Day Campaign Kicks off
IMPHAL, July 26: On 28 July 2012 people around the world will come together to mark World Hepatitis Day with the theme of this year "It's closer than you think". World Hepatitis Day confronts the worldwide gap between the promise and the reality of hepatitis control. The main priority is the recognition that, worldwide, about 500 million people (one in 12 individuals) is living with viral hepatitis, of which 1 million are dying every year.Despite its staggering toll on health, hepatitis remains a group of diseases that are largely unknown, undiagnosed and untreated. Control of viral hepatitis receives only a fraction of the attention and resources that are dedicated to other major public health threats with similar or lesser morbidity and mortality. Hence the immediate action is necessary to raise awareness, build collaborations to implement interventions that are appropriate for epidemiological patterns, and motivate policy makers to support better systems of prevention, care and treatment of viral hepatitis. The level of suffering from viral hepatitis is unacceptable. July 28 represents a call to action that can catalyse commitment state-wide.
Public health leaders, policy makers, non-governmental organisations, and others must join together to confront and combat this silent epidemic. Though relevant and scientific data of hepatitis is unavailable in the state but data from independent studies that has been carried out by researchers and medical professionals shows an extensively alarming prevalence of HCV in the state particularly amongst the People who injects drugs. Some of the studies indicated prevalence rates of 92%1,90.4%2,92% in Imphal and 98% in Churachandpur and yet, there are no responses from either the Union Government of India or the State Government of Manipur to respond to the HCV epidemic.
Recognizing its serious of hepatitis in the state Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE), a registered state level network of Community Based Organisation of People who use Drugs and All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (AMADA), a CSO in collaboration with MSD, Fulford (India) Limited, USA join hands together to advocate for prevention and treatment of hepatitis in the state with series of activities. The campaign is focus to provide comprehensive information to the public for prevention and as well as lobbying for the rights of hepatitis patients for treatment.
An interaction program on hepatitis ahead of observance will be aired in All India Radio on 27th July at 7pm. The speakers will comprise of Doctor, health department and people living with HCV. On 28th July a formal launch of the campaign will be organised at the Mayai Loishang of AMADA with the Director, Directorate of Health Services, Govt. of Manipur. Balloons for a cause will be released to commemorate the event and to show to the whole community that we are with the world in marking World Hepatitis Day.
This will be followed by a panel discussion on hepatitis with the experts, health department and people living with HCV that will be live telecast through ISTV at the studio of AMADA.
In the next day free screening of hepatitis B and C will be conducted at the premises of CoNE office, Palace Compound at 10 am.
On the same day an interaction program between doctors and hepatitis patients will be conducted.
http://www.ifp.co.in/imphal-free-press-full-story.php?newsid=8095&catid=1
21st May, 2012, Imphal, Poknapham, Page 1.
International
AIDS Candlelight Memorial held Speaker bats with House Forum
IMPHAL, May 20 : The International AIDS Candlelight
Memorial Day was observed today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound and
Manipur Dramatic union hall, Yaiskul Police Lane under the aegis of different
organisations.
As chief guest of the Lamyanba
Shanglen observance, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh
assured that ‘Manipur Legislative Assembly Forum on AIDS will do whatever it
can to fulfil the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.’
Pledging support of the Forum in
fighting stigma and discrimination, he also commended the leading role by the
people affected with HIV and drug users in ensuring the rights of the affected
people as well as reduce the spread of HIV in the State.
Former Deputy Director of
Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) and MLA Dr I Ibohalbi, who also
addressed the gathering at the observance function drew the attention of the
MACS Project Director to ensure expeditious revision of the State AIDS Policy
asserting that policies are a must for tackling issues like HIV/AIDS/
“The draft State AIDS policy
needs to be tabled at the earliest and discussed threadbare so that our
response to the epidemic is in tune with the needs of the community,” said the
MLA who also stressed on the need for bridging the gap between NGOs
implementing HIV related programmes and MACS.
Commenting on the observance,
MACS Project Director Dr Sailesh Kumar Chourasia expressed that such solemn
event provides all concerned an opportunity to reassess not only the
achievement but also to chart out a course to sustain the effort.
Different departments need to
come together for effective implementation of relevant programmes and to tackle
the issue at hand in a holistic manner, he added.
Functionaries of various NGOS
also elaborated on the significance of the observance with a fervent appeal to
every section of the society to combat HIV/AIDS in a more effective way.
Results of the competition held
earlier on May 18 were also declared and prizes distributed during the function
held at Lamyanba Shanglen today.
Towards promoting health and
dignity, particularly for people living with HIV and AIDS and other
communities, volunteers will campaign for improving service access, prevent
rights violation and reducing stigma and discrimination against people living
with HIV and AIDS, people who inject drugs, sex workers, nupi manbi and other
vulnerable communities.
The Yaiskul Police Lane
observance organised by Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) was held on
the theme ‘Promoting Health and Dignity together’ and was marked by the
observation of two minutes silence in memory of those who passed away due to
HIV/AIDS infection and release of fact-sheet on HIV and drug use developed
under the CHPCSS and prison projects.
Superintendent of Police,
Manipur Central Jail (Sajiwa) IK Muivah graced the event as the chief guest.
While advocating healthy
lifestyle for a respectful living and longevity, Muivah also prevailed upon all
concerned to contribute their mite for the health and welfare of the HIV/AIDS
infected people.
With reference of MACS record of
nearly 12,700 people undertaking ART treatment out of about 21,225 individuals
living with HIV/AIDS, he said the Central Jail Sajiwa has a total of 670
inmates with HIV positive status.
Appreciating endeavours of MACS,
MNP+ and volunteers of various NGOs working in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention
for regularly conducting awareness programmes and ways to live a healthy
lifestyle to the infected inmates, the SP asserted that he would intimate
higher authorities for enhancing assistance to these inmates.
It also informed that candles
were lit at 16 market places in Imphal East and West districts, Bishnupur and
Thoubal districts. In coordination with the All Manipur Christian Organisation
(AMCO) candlelight prayers were also held in a number of churches.
The International AIDS
Candlelight Memorial 2012 is being jointly organised by sixteen organisations
namely All Manipur Anti Drug Association (AMADA), Community Network for
Empowerment (CoNE), Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE),
Human Rights Alert (HRA), Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), All Manipur Bar
Association (AMBA), Kuki Women Union (KWU), Kripa Society, Care Foundation,
Lifeline Foundation, Dedicated People’s Union (DPU), Manipur Cycle Club (MCC),
Coalition Against Drug Abuse and Alcoholism (CADA), Christian Network of
Positive Women of Manipur (CNPWM), All Manipur Nupi manbi Association (AMANA),
Solidarity and Action Against the HIV Infection in India (SAATHII).
Meanwhile, the International
Candlelight Memorial Day was observed today at Khurai Lamlong under the aegis
of Universal Caring Mission (UNICAM) on the theme “Promoting Health and Dignity
Together”.
Speaking on the occasion, MACS
Joint Director Abhiram Mongjam stated that the number of people killed by
HIV/AIDS is greater than the number of people during World Wars I and II.
Talking about the stigma and
discrimination being endured by HIV infected people, UNICAM vice-president Ksh
Robindro asserted that all kinds of social stigma or discrimination should be
done away with for better tackling of the HIV/AIDS issue.
Later nutritional support was
distributed to HIV infected people. The International Candlelight Memorial Day
was also observed by Maruploi Foundation at its Bishnupur office today.
CARE Foundation observed the
29th International AIDS Candlelight memorial Day at its head office and branch
office Nambol today.
200 people including members,
staff, PLHIVs, IDUs FSWs and invitees attended the observation, said a press
release.
The day was also observed by
MNP+ Thoubal at its hall. The observation was held under the sponsorship of
MACS.
21-May-2012 / 02:27 AM // Our Staff Reporter / 0 Comments
Rights group and civil society organisations kick
start International AIDS Candlelight Memorial campaign 2012.
Imphal, May 18: The yearlong International AIDS
Candlelight Memorial observation 2012 kicked off with a painting competition
today at Keishampat Keisham Leikai community hall. 36 children studying in
class one to nine took part in the competition organised for children infected
and affected by HIV and AIDS.
Miranda (name changed) whose two children took part
in the competition is hopeful her daughter studying in sixth standard will bag
a prize. “She bagged the first prize in a
similar competition held last year”, said the proud mother of four. Miranda
her husband and her two kids who took part in the competition are on ART at
RIMS. While she expects her daughter will bag a prize she is encouraging her
son to take part in such competitions to help him make friends and forget his
illness. The 14 year old boy is underweight and shy away from class mates and
friends.
The competition saw 14 children, deprived of their
parents, from Carmel Jyoti Care Centre in Imphal East wielding the brush. The
centre is presently looking after 48 children most of them living with HIV and
AIDS. Of the 14 children who took part in the competition 11 are on ART.
Speaking at the occasion Shyamacharan, General
Secretary, All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) and a member of the organising
committee, said that such joint efforts will ensure people realise the need to
come together in the fight against HIV and AIDS. “Each one of us in our own way can contribute in the fight against HIV
and AIDS”.
For the first time civil societies organisations,
human rights groups, lawyers, drug user and positive networks and NGOs in the
state are coming together to observe the International AIDS Candlelight
Memorial 2012 which falls on May 20 and continue it as a year-long state-level
campaign for solidarity in fighting the
epidemic.
“This
competition is different; we want them (the participants) to feel important and
cared for. Through this campaign we want to convey that each one of us has a
responsibility towards people who are in need and help them live with dignity”,
said Phoni, Secretary General, AMADA.
One of the organising committee members of the
campaign, AMADA had in the past organised blood donation camps to meet the
growing demand of blood for people living with
HIV and AIDS. In 2006 and 2007 AMADA collected a
record 600 unit of blood meant for PLHIVs undergoing treatment in RIMS and JN
hospital. Starting 2006 October AMADA has so far organised 70 awareness
programmes for school students all over the state.
Spearheading the campaign the Community Network for
Empowerment (CoNE), a state-level network of community-based organisations of
drug users, is planning a series of activities in keeping with the theme of the
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2012 - ‘Promoting health and dignity
together’.
The competition will be followed by observation of
the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2012 on May 20 at Lamyanba
Shanglen, Imphal. On the same day a candlelight rally is being organised
involving political leaders and representatives of various civil society
organisations. Candles will also be lit at 14 market places in Imphal,
Bishnupur and Thoubal districts. In coordination with the All Manipur Christian
Organisation (AMCO) candlelight prayers will be held in a number of churches. Results
of the competition will be declared and prizes distributed on the same day.
Towards promoting health and dignity, particularly
for people living with HIV and AIDS and other communities, volunteers will
campaign for improving service access, prevent rights violation and reducing
stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS, people who
inject drugs, sex workers, nupi manbi and other vulnerable communities.
The painting competition is a part of the yearlong
observation of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2012 jointly
organised by sixteen organisations- All Manipur Anti Drug Association (AMADA),
Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE), Centre for Organisation Research and
Education (CORE), Human Rights Alert (HRA), Human Rights Law Network (HRLN),
All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA), Kuki Women Union (KWU), Kripa Society, Care
Foundation, Lifeline Foundation, Dedicated People’s Union (DPU), Manipur Cycle
Club (MCC), Coalition Against Drug Abuse and Alcoholism (CADA), Christian
Network of Positive Women of Manipur (CNPWM), All Manipur Nupi manbi
Association (AMNA), Solidarity and Action Against the HIV Infection in India
(SAATHII).
With more than two decades old the HIV epidemic in
Manipur has shown little signs of relenting. While a number of government and
non-government agencies are implementing various programmes a number of health
services are beyond the reach of thousands of people who need it. Rights of
many belonging to various vulnerable communities continue to be violated thus
denying people to live with dignity.
38,573 people are living with HIV and AIDS and 698
have died of it in Manipur till March 2011. 19,455 people were registered for
ART till May 2011. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2012 is an
opportunity to join hands and walk towards ensuring health care to those who
need it and people are not discriminated owing to an illness or other factors
which are beyond one’s control.
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