HMC observes World Aids Day in support of people living with HIV

While worldwide, HIV infection rates are decreasing generally, UNICEF found that infections among people aged 10-19 have increased in Asia and the Pacific region, home to more than half of the world’s adolescents. In the US, estimates are that 50,000 people continue to be infected with HIV each year and that 1.2 million people are now living with HIV.

On Tuesday (1 December), current US President Barack Obama issued a lengthy proclamation about the disease on World AIDS as he has done every year since 2009.

Health Minister Phunhzathang Tonsing who was also present at the occasion said though there is a declining trend in HIV prevalence in Manipur, a anxious and vulnerable state of affairs is being faced by pregnant women.

Use protection and get tested!

However, he urged the House to support the people living with HIV/AIDS.

Having teens and young adults that disregard HIV/AIDS as a disease of the past is unsafe to say the least, showing that it’s now more important than ever to talk to loved ones about safety. Testing is easy and simple.

The number of adolescents dying of AIDS-related complications has tripled since 2000, according to figures released by UNICEF ahead of World AIDS Day. Expanding HIV testing and treatment for those children and teens who are infected remains a big challenge.

It’s time to take action. One conversation could end up saving lives. “So we always try to identify positives so that we can provide the care they need”, Alt told News 3. The prospect of dying from the virus is terrifying, but the fact of the matter is it’s both preventable and treatable.

“We have a person who was actually born with it. We do have, actually, a few that come in contact with blood transfusions. We call on these companies to stop discriminating against people living with HIV/AIDS and denying them access to financial services”.

If we truly want to deliver an AIDS-free generation then we have to stand with those it’s already impacting directly.