Manipur has 1063 HIV + sex workers

Imphal, June 26: Painting a grim picture of the AIDS scenario in the State, Dr Khomdon Lisham, Project Director of The Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) today informed Manipur has 1063 commercial sex workers who are carriers of the dreaded disease. Speaking during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organized by the Indian Medical Association, Manipur State branch at its premises at Lamphelpat, Dr Khomdon termed as unfortunate the Government’s failure to take up proper initiative to check the spread of the disease. Stating that the commercial sex workers had jumped into the trade due to their need of socio-economic development and the lure of easy money, he said MACS is planning to take up schemes for providing proper rehabilitation to these sex workers. Intravenous use of drugs has seen a steep decline in the state as a result of the awareness campaigns undertaken by MACS. However, infection through sexual contact is on the rise. Social Welfare Director Nabachandra said the state government has formulated welfare schemes for HIV/AIDS victims and the commercial sex workers who are infected. Imphal High Court Bar Association secretary I Lalit stressed the importance of informing an HIV positive person of his real status to prevent further spread from the person in question. Stating that though the Supreme Court has a standing order permitting the same, there has been no such legislation of the Government. T Achou, SP Narcotics Affairs of Border informed that heroin is trafficked through Chandel, Ukhrul and Churachandpur district. There is no border fencing till date and the inflow of the drugs could not be checked due to several reasons, he added. Meanwhile, a free rock concert under the theme “Youths and Music Against Drugs” was organized by Helping Hand at Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai in observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking.