Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 563/10

WORLD AIDS DAY OBSERVED

Shillong, December 1, 2010: Along with the rest of the world, the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) today observed the World AIDS Day at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong by launching the ‘Meghalaya Legislators Forum on HIV/AIDS’. The Meghalaya Chief Minister who is also the Chief Patron of the Forum, Dr. Mukul Sangma grace the occasion as the chief guest in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister who is also the patron of the Forum, Mr. R Lyngdoh, Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly who is also the president of the Forum, Mr. C Pyngrope, Leader of the Opposition who is also the Vice-president of the Forum, Mr. Conrad Sangma, Chief Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Dr. D D Lapang besides hosts of MLAs who are members of the Forum.

It may be mentioned that the main objective of the Meghalaya Legislators Forum on HIV/AIDS is to reach out to the people through the Legislators for effective awareness about various aspects of HIV/AIDS. The Forum will also generate fund by each member donating Rs 1 Lakh from their respective MLA Schemes for the awareness programmes. It may also be mentioned that the State has 22 Red Ribbon Clubs spread in various colleges of the State which are actively working in generating awareness among the people about HIV/AIDS.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mukul Sangma said that World AIDS Day is an important day as it reminds each and every one about the importance of coming together and unitedly fight to contain the deadly disease which is a global concern. He also said that awareness programme is one of the most important tools in containing the spread of the disease. He also stated that the people should dispel the stigma attached with the people living with AIDS, adding that a positive attitude is an important component in the massive campaign against AIDS.

Dr. Sangma congratulates the Meghalaya State Network of Positive People, an organization which has been actively working towards reaching out to the people living with AIDS, adding that such bold initiative is commendable.

Dr. Sangma felt that it would be more effective if the members of the all the Autonomous District Councils of the State are also involved in the Forum.

The Secretary General of the Forum, Dr. A Das who is also the Project Director of MACS while giving a presentation on the HIV/AIDS scenario in the State mentioned that though Meghalaya is in the ‘C’ category which means low profile HIV/AIDS, but it is very vulnerable to the disease due to migration, truckers etc.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. R Lyngdoh, Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Mr. C Pyngrope and Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Conrad Sangma.