Mon District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee (MDAPCC) meeting discussed the need of creating more awareness on HIV and AIDS to the public.
The meeting which was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) W. Honje K, at conference hall, DC office, Mon also acknowledged the contribution of the NGOs, tribal Hohos, village council, student bodies and government agencies in disseminating awareness about the disease. In his introductory speech, the DC also called upon the members to share their activities and views to effectively implement the HIV prevention and control programme in the district.
DAPCU, Mon district programme officer Longyim Tzudir, highlighted the services provided through Facility centres (NSACS support) and key activities carried out by DAPCU in collaboration.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mon Dr. Uma Konyak, stated that more efforts should be given to increase the number of HIV test even among the general population, for which mass awareness programme should be conducted.
Emphasizing on the need of involvement of people living with HIV, District Hospital Mon MS Dr Dr. Medemmayang said that there was a need to encourage people to come forward, to access care and treatment facilities and to be involved in addressing issues for bringing a better outcome.
MUN secretary Sashi, briefly shared on how OST programme had benefited the drug users (IDUs) and added that there was a need of OST centres at least in TI implementing areas in Mon district.
Topics related to the need of organizing advocacy campaign on HIV, greater involvement of people living with HIV, strengthening coordination, formation of voluntary blood donors association of Mon district, nomination of Nodal Officers from key departments/institution/organization for HIV and AIDS programme in the Mon district were also discussed.