Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: The Indigenous Foundation held the 43rd International AIDS Memorial Day and a legal awareness programme at Amity Hall in Imphal on May 29, 2025. Sponsored by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority, the event brought together around 120 participants to honor those lost to the disease and promote better support systems for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Hosted by Cecilia Zimik, the gathering featured various dignitaries, including Chief Guest Joybala Yumnam and Guest of Honour Rangnamei Rang Peter. A solemn candle-lighting ceremony and silent prayer marked the memorial portion of the day. Keynote speaker AC Raising emphasized the necessity of ending social stigma and called for stronger legal and welfare protections for affected families.
Wonchung Jajo of the Christian Network Positive Organization shared a personal testimony regarding the daily struggles faced by the community, such as food insecurity and limited employment. Many individuals currently rely on small-scale skills like tailoring and weaving to survive. In response, Yumnam highlighted that modern medical advancements, including Antiretroviral Therapy, now allow those with HIV to lead healthy, long lives.
Advocate Worchanphy Kasar led a session focusing on the legal rights and dignity of patients, urging an end to discrimination and social exclusion. The event concluded with a group discussion where attendees shared personal experiences, reinforcing a message of resilience and collective responsibility within the community.
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