UNODC is cosponsor of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS - UNAIDS
Need for community participation stressed
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27 May 2007
Imphal, Manipur
Underscoring the need for community participation in the ongoing effort of preventing youngsters from abusing drugs and its associated problems like HIV/AIDS in Manipuri society, a 15-day long Drug Detoxification Camp organised as part of the
Project H-13 of UNODC concluded at the premises of NIYOC, Chingamkham Lampak, Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai here today.
Organised by Integrated Women and Children Development Centre (IWC-DC), Thangmeiband Yumnam Leikai in collaboration with North Imphal Youth Orient Club (NIYOC) and Langol Leimarol Meira Paibi Lup, the camp was jointly sponsored by UNODC, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and RRTC NE-I.
It was the second such camp organised by IWC-DC, the first being held at Tharon Khul of Cheiraoching in second week of January, 2007. In all 17 clients successfully participated in the camp this time as against 15 last time.
Sharing their experiences, some of the campers resolved to stay clean and help others in need like themselves.
Apart from detoxing, the Project H-13 of the UNODC, an intervention programme on prevention of HIV transmission among the Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in SAARC countries aims at community involvement and sensitising the masses on the issue of drug abuse and its related social implication.
NACO Consultant Salam Gautam and Project Director Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) Dr Manikanta graced the valedictory function of the camp as chief guest and president respectively.
NIYOC president Ibomcha and Meira Paibi leader Shakhi Devi also shared the dais as guests of honour.
Dignitaries who spoke at the occasion stressed on collective responsibility in fighting against the menace of drug abuse.
Setting himself as an example on how a person can stay clean from drug addiction, Salam Gautam inspired the campers to start thinking of contributing their mite to their respective families.
Ibomcha urged the campers to strengthen their inner strength and will power to kick the old habit of drugs and going along with bad companies.
Dr Manikanta explained that a sustained effort along with self awareness and recognition of the problem on the part of the campers is more essential in solidifying their resolution of giving up drugs.
Earlier giving the introductory note, IWCDC secretary Annie Mangsatabam emphasised on the point that drug addiction is a social disease that should be treated accordingly.
From institutionalised treatment and the general notion of intimidating the addicts, community participation is now being seen as a more appropriate approach of tackling the problem of drug addiction, she added.
