Phnom Penh January 21st 2009: The Royal Government of Cambodia awarded the prestigious “Royal Order of Sahametrei ” to Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’ is a medal of honour conferred primarily on foreigners who have rendered distinguished services to the King and to the Nation by Royal Decree of His Majesty the King of Cambodia.
This award recognized Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing exemplary contribution and dedication towards humanitarian services rendered by him and the organization for the people living with HIVAIDS and general public in Cambodia. The selfless and passionate mission has saved many lives and restores dignity and hope for many people infected and affected by the HIV epidemic in Cambodia.
The “Royal Order of Sahametrei” was conferred after a citation by His Excellency Professor Mam Bun Heng, The Honorable Minister of Health, on behalf of the Prime Minister, The Royal Government of Cambodia today the 21st January 2009. The Honorable Minister announced “This is a big honor and my proud privilege to hand over the ‘Sahametrei’ to you, to honor and recognized your selfless dedication and contribution to better the lives of our people”.
Accepting the award Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing said “I am deeply honored and humbled for being awarded the prestigious ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’. My heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Royal Government of Cambodia – The Ministry of Health, National Center for HIVAIDS, Dermatology and STI (NCHADS) AIDS Healthcare Foundation and to the highly committed wonderful AHF Cambodia Cares team for this tremendous, tremendous honor. This award is a tribute just not for me but to all those who willingly endeavor and risk their lives, energy, strength, wisdom and have the courage to fight for the underserved and unserved and for those who cannot do it themselves.”
Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, MBBS, FCAMS son of Mr. Paokhosoi Thangsing graduated from North Eastern Regional Medical College and a Postgraduate Fellow of the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences trained in Applied Psychology, HIVAIDS. He has till date dedicatedly work for over twenty years as a physician, HIV specialist, an activist in the fight for HIVAIDS. He is the Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, United States of America. AHF Asia Pacific bureau operates in Cambodia, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal.
Michael Weinstein, President – AIDS Healthcare Foundation in his congratulatory message said “What a great honor. We are all brimming with pride. We don’t do this work for the glory, but recognition such as this only confirms the importance of what we do. Lal, on behalf of the entire AHF family, please accept my hearty congratulations. May this medal spur you to new heights of achievement - for when you achieve - so many people benefit. I know that this will be the first of many honors that you will receive for your contributions to humanity.”
Dr Chhim Sarath, AHF Cambodia Cares – Country Program Manager said with pride “ This recognition not only honor the leadership of Dr Chinkholal Thangsing but the entire family of AHF and this is truly an encouraging, inspiring and great motivator. I am very happy and proud for this is a wonderful day for us all in Cambodia. We are highly inspired and we shall do better and be a stronger team”.
In 2005, AHF signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health, National Centre for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STI Control (NCHADS) and Ministry of Defence, Preah Ket Mealea Hospital of the Royal Government of Cambodia to collaborate and provide a comprehensive HIVAIDS treatment, care and support program in Cambodia. Currently, AHF Cambodia Cares operates at 11 sites. The programs focused on technical and financial assistance ensuring the provision of high quality ART treatment and management services and strengthening of continuum of care services, networks and partnership with collaborators and all relevant stakeholders. The sites are Preah Ket Mealea, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Stung Treng, Koh Thom, Romeas Heik, Pear Reang, Kirivong, Ang Roka, Sampov Meas and Oddar Meanchey. Today, this landmark collaborative program provides life saving services to over 6000 patients.
About AHF
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the US’ largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare, research, prevention and education provider. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to over 950000 patients 23 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Asia Pacific. Additional information is available at www.aidshealth.org
About AHF/Cambodia Cares
AHF Cambodia Cares ART centers provide testing, psycho-social support services and anti-retroviral treatment including both pediatric and second-line treatment. The facilities provide comprehensive HIVAIDS care and treatment and holistic services, and serve as one-stop shops for people living with HIVAIDS (PLWHAs). Currently AHF Cambodia Cares serves the Cambodian people through 11 centers and caters over 5000 people with HIVAIDS working with NCHADS and other local and international stakeholders,
In the Asia/Pacific region, AIDS Healthcare Foundation currently provides free anti-retroviral treatment services to people in need through its clinics in Cambodia, India, Thailand, Viet Nam, China and Nepal.
------------------------------------
A Brief Speech by Royal Order of Sahametrei recepient Dr Chinkholal Thangsing in Phnom Penh.
His Excellency - Dr Mean Chhi Vun and the team from NCHADS, Friends, Cambodia Cares team, Ladies and Gentlemen!!
I stand before you deeply humbled and blessed and I begin with a request that you accept my expressed gratitude and joy for this tremnedous award. I bring with me bundles of gratitude and heartfelt thanks, warm wishes of the Family of AHF in America - the personal greetings of the President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation - Michael Weinstein, the family of AHF globally and the local wonderful and dynamic team headed by Dr Chhim Sarath here in Cambodia.
“I am at a loss for words and deeply humbled by this grand, magnanimous gesture of the Royal Government of Cambodia for bestowing me the ‘Order of the Medal Sahametrei’. This is truly a privilege and I my profuse thanks the Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of Health, NCHADS and our dedicated and wonderful team here in Cambodia for this tremendous, tremendous honor. This is truly gratifying for me as you recognized the unwavering, persistent, persevering and dedication to bring health, healing and hope for people affected infected by HIVAIDS, their families, loved ones in Cambodia. This award is a tribute just not for me but to all those who are willingly endeavored to risk their lives, energy, strength, wisdom and the indomitable courage to fight for those who are under served or un served and for those who cannot do it themselves.” I thank my father who brought me up and mentored me and make me who I am today for he is my hero. I thank Michael Weinstein, AHF President my professional mentor, the Cambodia Cares team for their unwavering support guidance and for being with me 24X7X365 days of the year.
I vividly remember my first visit to Cambodia and felt in love with the people here since early 2000 when I came to conduct a week long ART treatment and management training for KHANA and its partner organizations. I am deeply touched and moved by hospitality of the Cambodian people and understand the needs of people living with HIVAIDS as we travel and visit the homes of the sick and needy with my friends and colleagues. One of them is Dr Chhim Sarath who stands beside me here today, my friend and colleague who heads our operations in Cambodia as its Manager. He is truly and inspiration.In 2005 we signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health, National Centre for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STI Control (NCHADS) and Ministry of Defence, to operate in Preah Ket Mealea Hospital of the Royal Government of Cambodia for collaborative comprehensive HIVAIDS treatment, care and support program. Our programs focused on technical and financial assistance ensuring the provision of high quality ART treatment and management services and strengthening the continuum of care and networks, collaborators, partners with relevant stakeholders at all levels in 11 sites viz. Preah Ket Mealea, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Stung Treng, Koh Thom, Romeas Heik, Pear Reang, Kirivong, Ang Roka, Sampov Meas and Oddar Meanchey.
I am the son of Mr. Paokhosoi Thangsing, I completed medical studies from North Eastern Regional Medical College and a Postgraduate Fellow of the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences and trained also in Applied Psychology. I have work dedicatedly for over twenty years as a physician and as HIV specialist, activist in for HIVAIDS since 1990. I have personally provided my services to over 3000 to 5000 HIVAIDS patients till today. Today, as Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AHF we provide kind, compassionate and cutting edge medical care services to over 96000 patients in 23 countries globally and work in Cambodia, India, China, Vietnam, Thailand and Nepal in the Asia Pacific. I have help and established AIDS care homes, treatment centers, trained and educates, advocate for human rights, right to access to treatment and availability to easy access of affordable and accessible HIVAIDS services, to reducing stigma and discrimination and for universal access. My mission is to preaches better understanding of the disease and its social impact, tirelessly teaching and promoting prevention and behavioral changes, living positive life for those infected and strongly urging the community to ‘stay negative’ of the virus.
I have dedicated my medical career and my personal life and resources to combat the HIVAIDS epidemic and perseveres to generate a positive, and a basic change in the perception and attitude within societies toward those infected and affected by the devastating epidemic associating with many governments and organizations around the globe.
“There are many greater men and women deserving this award and to be the chosen one is truly a blessing. I accept it with grace, with much joy and satisfaction, aware that a common man as I am can achieve this – making it true that if one truly believes in what we do and does that with our heart set squarely on that belief. I accept this on behalf of father, my family and the family of AHF, friends, colleagues and all those persons that toiled each day to make a difference, extend precious lives, restoring dignity and hope for people with HIVIADS in Cambodia and other parts of the globe.”
Thank you once again from the core of my heart to the King, the Royal Government of Cambodia for this truly tremendous honor. I am overjoyed and it has catapulted me to higher state of motivation and for that I am truly privileged and blessed.
Okun Charn! Okun!
-----------------------------------------
ABOUT DR. CHINKHOLAL THANGSING
Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, MBBS, FCAMS son of Mr. Paokhosoi Thangsing a native of Manipur, North East India is graduated from the North Eastern Regional Medical College and a Postgraduate Fellow of the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences, trained also in Applied Psychology and HIVAIDS dedicatedly work for over twenty years as a physician, and HIV specialist and an AIDS activist since the year 1990. Affectionately, known as ‘Lal’ he passionately work providing compassionate care and support, attend to the psychosocial needs of people infected and affected by the epidemic of HIVAIDS. He dedicated his medical career and his personal life and resources to combating the HIVAIDS epidemic and perseveres for a positive and basic change in the perception and attitude within societies toward those infected and affected by the devastating epidemic. He network, collaborated and associated himself with many boards, association, many organizations in India and to many other parts of the globe. He establishes care homes, treatment centers, shelter homes, trained and educates, an ardent advocate the rights to access for PLHAs to receive treatment, and for the availability of affordable and free medications for HIV diseases’ and related infections. He promotes join ventures, comprehensive and integrated HIVAIDS programs and takes the task of reducing stigma and discrimination and for universal access on a war footing. He walk the talk and preaches better and in depth understanding of the disease, its socio economic impact, prevention and the promotion of behavioral changes, the benefits of positive living for those infected and strongly urge the community to stay ‘Negative’ of the virus.
He is frequently “A voice crying in the wilderness”, and his dedication knows no bounds. Bursting with love for his fellow beings ‘Lal’ as Roger Dragonnette Editor of City Beat summed up in his article on Dr. Thangsing “He has a face as open and cheerful as the laughing Buddha’s, a personality devoid of airs. Here’s a man who has gone beyond the Hippocratic Oath, and redefined it”
He is the Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, United States of America’s largest nonprofit AIDS organization established in 1987 which provides cutting edge medicine, care and support services for over 96000 patients with HIVAIDS in 23 countries globally in the United States, Latin America/Caribbean, Africa, Asia Pacific. AHF operates in Cambodia, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal in collaboration with governments and with national and international nongovernmental organization in the Asia Pacific region.
After his medical training at the North Eastern Regional Medical College, Manipur in 1984 he work at Sielmat Christian Hospital and Research Centre, Lamka, Manipur as Chief Medical Officer. In 1990, he started seeing HIV patients thus began the beginning of his fight against the disease and his compassionate treatment services for patients with HIVAIDS and as a clinician activist for the rights to treatment and access of medical care services of people living with HIV and AIDS. In 1995 he completed his post graduate in Family Medicine a post graduate Fellowship from the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences, Vellore in south India. He conducted awareness amongst medical peers, personnel and consults and joined Society for Life Line Operations (SHALOM) in Lamka, Manipur as clinician, HIV specialist setting up innovative patient care services including the first home based care programs in India through the project and immediately scaling up the availability of a team that values kindness, true compassion with common goal of restoration of dignity and hope while immediately combating new infection, setting up prevention measures and the goal to conquering stigma and discrimination against people living with HIVAIDS, their families and loved ones in Manipur. This shaped his inner goal and gave him the vision and mission of his life.
In 1996, acknowledging the dire need of services for the rapidly spreading epidemic and the need to provide care and treatment and to aim to address issues of health, HIVAIDS and development named set up a society called the Agency for Community Care and Development (ACCAD). Through this agency he address crucial care services and tackle stigma and discrimination of people with HIVAIDS which as unavailable.
In 1997, he moved to New Delhi and was confronted by abysmal lack of basic HIV care services and excruciatingly painful status of people infected and affected he began to provide services for people with HIVAIDS wearing various hats as a consultant administrator, HIV specialist, physician, an activist and outreach worker, advocate for the rights of people with HIVAIDS. His presence and dedicated services spread and he gained a legendary status in the fight against HIVAIDS. This gave solace and hope to many infected and affected people by the disease in Delhi. His HIVAIDS pioneering efforts was recognized by various agencies including Richard Gere, a renowned Hollywood actor who honored his contribution for HIVAIDS and rewarded him at a gathering of celebrities in New Delhi in 1998.
He committed his energy, heat and soul, his expertise to various non profit nongovernmental organizations establishing and creating innovative measure to bring care and treatment and support services for the stigmatized HIVAIDSD patients in New Delhi and various parts of the country. He focus also on providing healthcare services for women and children assisted organizations, nurture manpower and resource developments and build skills and capacity of people involved and set up HIV Crisis Care Center Shelter home for IDUS with HIV and specialized IP and OP services constantly striving to better such services. He tirelessly advocate for rights to treatment and care for people with HIVAIDS, universal access to healthcare. He often joined forces with other organizations corporate homes and pharmaceutical companies to promote education and HIVAIDS awareness and organized, conduct numerous training programs on HIVAIDS building a cadre of highly skilled care and treatment providers - doctors, nurses, lawyers, paramedics’ activists groups.
In 1998 he associated with Sahara a nonprofit organization and assumed the duties as Medical Director which is the first center for HIVAIDS care the ‘Michael’s Care Home’ in New Delhi which soon became the symbol of hope for people with HIVAIDS to take refuge, be cared for, be loved, renewal of faith, hope and dignity. As Director he worked closely with various organizations and with the national programmes in India dealing with various issues related to healthcare, access, availability, affordability, human rights, stigma and discrimination, training and education of physicians and partnering with NGOs and the pharmaceutical companies organized treatment education, sensitization of physicians and healthcare workers in New Delhi and other parts of India. He also associated with Sharan, The Naz Foundation India Trust in 1998 a sexual health agency in New Delhi set up the first HIVAIDS specialty clinic dedicated for HIVAIDS and STI treatment as its Medical Director. He also associated with Action India as Director of HIVAIDS Project; As HIVAIDS Program Director for an International Organization Project Concern International in 2003 he headed the HIVAIDS Programs in seven states of India.
He 1999 started an informal network of physicians providing treatment and care services for people with HIVAIDS ‘AIDS Care Physicians Alliance’ (ACPA), ‘The Touch of Hope Foundation’ committed to provide high quality and compassionate services to the unserve and underserved. A strong advocate for HIVAIDS Patients, he is outspoken and his belief that all human beings are equal and that all those living with HIVAIDS have the fundamental right to basic medical services and fights for equality of treatment services for universal access to high quality services, access and availability of free and affordable medicine and care services.
He served on many Boards and Committees related to HIVAIDS, a member of various forums such as Advisory Board Member of Mainline Holland, Member of the Board of Ethical committees of various organization including the LRS Institute of TB and Allied Chest Diseases, Sharan, Sahasee, Asia Pacific NeuroAIDS Consortium, Asia Pacific Pediatric HIVAIDS Consortium.
His clinical expertise has been recognized write and consults on sexual health issues, he promotes preventive medicine, safe sex behavior and sexual health for reputed magazines like Marie Claire, Q&A on HIV and sexual health for some national dailies. He is a keen photographer and document his works of photography was exhibited by the US Embassy American Center in 2006 as the “Photos of Hope” he wrote a song lyric for the 2007 World AIDS day video “ Song of Hope” which was released by the US Embassy in New Delhi. He toured and lectures extensively on HIVAIDS treatment, prevention and represent the face of physician activist at various national and international meetings and workshops.
He continues the crusade of providing cutting edge medicine and advocacy combating the global epidemic with tireless zeal and passion.
He is a life member of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), International AIDS Society and various other national and international associations.
Source: DR. CHINKHOLAL THANGSING
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This award recognized Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing exemplary contribution and dedication towards humanitarian services rendered by him and the organization for the people living with HIVAIDS and general public in Cambodia. The selfless and passionate mission has saved many lives and restores dignity and hope for many people infected and affected by the HIV epidemic in Cambodia.
The “Royal Order of Sahametrei” was conferred after a citation by His Excellency Professor Mam Bun Heng, The Honorable Minister of Health, on behalf of the Prime Minister, The Royal Government of Cambodia today the 21st January 2009. The Honorable Minister announced “This is a big honor and my proud privilege to hand over the ‘Sahametrei’ to you, to honor and recognized your selfless dedication and contribution to better the lives of our people”.
Accepting the award Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing said “I am deeply honored and humbled for being awarded the prestigious ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’. My heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Royal Government of Cambodia – The Ministry of Health, National Center for HIVAIDS, Dermatology and STI (NCHADS) AIDS Healthcare Foundation and to the highly committed wonderful AHF Cambodia Cares team for this tremendous, tremendous honor. This award is a tribute just not for me but to all those who willingly endeavor and risk their lives, energy, strength, wisdom and have the courage to fight for the underserved and unserved and for those who cannot do it themselves.”
Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, MBBS, FCAMS son of Mr. Paokhosoi Thangsing graduated from North Eastern Regional Medical College and a Postgraduate Fellow of the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences trained in Applied Psychology, HIVAIDS. He has till date dedicatedly work for over twenty years as a physician, HIV specialist, an activist in the fight for HIVAIDS. He is the Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, United States of America. AHF Asia Pacific bureau operates in Cambodia, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal.Michael Weinstein, President – AIDS Healthcare Foundation in his congratulatory message said “What a great honor. We are all brimming with pride. We don’t do this work for the glory, but recognition such as this only confirms the importance of what we do. Lal, on behalf of the entire AHF family, please accept my hearty congratulations. May this medal spur you to new heights of achievement - for when you achieve - so many people benefit. I know that this will be the first of many honors that you will receive for your contributions to humanity.”
Dr Chhim Sarath, AHF Cambodia Cares – Country Program Manager said with pride “ This recognition not only honor the leadership of Dr Chinkholal Thangsing but the entire family of AHF and this is truly an encouraging, inspiring and great motivator. I am very happy and proud for this is a wonderful day for us all in Cambodia. We are highly inspired and we shall do better and be a stronger team”.
In 2005, AHF signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health, National Centre for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STI Control (NCHADS) and Ministry of Defence, Preah Ket Mealea Hospital of the Royal Government of Cambodia to collaborate and provide a comprehensive HIVAIDS treatment, care and support program in Cambodia. Currently, AHF Cambodia Cares operates at 11 sites. The programs focused on technical and financial assistance ensuring the provision of high quality ART treatment and management services and strengthening of continuum of care services, networks and partnership with collaborators and all relevant stakeholders. The sites are Preah Ket Mealea, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Stung Treng, Koh Thom, Romeas Heik, Pear Reang, Kirivong, Ang Roka, Sampov Meas and Oddar Meanchey. Today, this landmark collaborative program provides life saving services to over 6000 patients.
About AHF
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the US’ largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare, research, prevention and education provider. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to over 950000 patients 23 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean and Asia Pacific. Additional information is available at www.aidshealth.org
About AHF/Cambodia Cares
AHF Cambodia Cares ART centers provide testing, psycho-social support services and anti-retroviral treatment including both pediatric and second-line treatment. The facilities provide comprehensive HIVAIDS care and treatment and holistic services, and serve as one-stop shops for people living with HIVAIDS (PLWHAs). Currently AHF Cambodia Cares serves the Cambodian people through 11 centers and caters over 5000 people with HIVAIDS working with NCHADS and other local and international stakeholders,
In the Asia/Pacific region, AIDS Healthcare Foundation currently provides free anti-retroviral treatment services to people in need through its clinics in Cambodia, India, Thailand, Viet Nam, China and Nepal.
------------------------------------
A Brief Speech by Royal Order of Sahametrei recepient Dr Chinkholal Thangsing in Phnom Penh.
His Excellency - Dr Mean Chhi Vun and the team from NCHADS, Friends, Cambodia Cares team, Ladies and Gentlemen!!I stand before you deeply humbled and blessed and I begin with a request that you accept my expressed gratitude and joy for this tremnedous award. I bring with me bundles of gratitude and heartfelt thanks, warm wishes of the Family of AHF in America - the personal greetings of the President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation - Michael Weinstein, the family of AHF globally and the local wonderful and dynamic team headed by Dr Chhim Sarath here in Cambodia.
“I am at a loss for words and deeply humbled by this grand, magnanimous gesture of the Royal Government of Cambodia for bestowing me the ‘Order of the Medal Sahametrei’. This is truly a privilege and I my profuse thanks the Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of Health, NCHADS and our dedicated and wonderful team here in Cambodia for this tremendous, tremendous honor. This is truly gratifying for me as you recognized the unwavering, persistent, persevering and dedication to bring health, healing and hope for people affected infected by HIVAIDS, their families, loved ones in Cambodia. This award is a tribute just not for me but to all those who are willingly endeavored to risk their lives, energy, strength, wisdom and the indomitable courage to fight for those who are under served or un served and for those who cannot do it themselves.” I thank my father who brought me up and mentored me and make me who I am today for he is my hero. I thank Michael Weinstein, AHF President my professional mentor, the Cambodia Cares team for their unwavering support guidance and for being with me 24X7X365 days of the year.
I vividly remember my first visit to Cambodia and felt in love with the people here since early 2000 when I came to conduct a week long ART treatment and management training for KHANA and its partner organizations. I am deeply touched and moved by hospitality of the Cambodian people and understand the needs of people living with HIVAIDS as we travel and visit the homes of the sick and needy with my friends and colleagues. One of them is Dr Chhim Sarath who stands beside me here today, my friend and colleague who heads our operations in Cambodia as its Manager. He is truly and inspiration.In 2005 we signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health, National Centre for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STI Control (NCHADS) and Ministry of Defence, to operate in Preah Ket Mealea Hospital of the Royal Government of Cambodia for collaborative comprehensive HIVAIDS treatment, care and support program. Our programs focused on technical and financial assistance ensuring the provision of high quality ART treatment and management services and strengthening the continuum of care and networks, collaborators, partners with relevant stakeholders at all levels in 11 sites viz. Preah Ket Mealea, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Stung Treng, Koh Thom, Romeas Heik, Pear Reang, Kirivong, Ang Roka, Sampov Meas and Oddar Meanchey.
I am the son of Mr. Paokhosoi Thangsing, I completed medical studies from North Eastern Regional Medical College and a Postgraduate Fellow of the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences and trained also in Applied Psychology. I have work dedicatedly for over twenty years as a physician and as HIV specialist, activist in for HIVAIDS since 1990. I have personally provided my services to over 3000 to 5000 HIVAIDS patients till today. Today, as Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AHF we provide kind, compassionate and cutting edge medical care services to over 96000 patients in 23 countries globally and work in Cambodia, India, China, Vietnam, Thailand and Nepal in the Asia Pacific. I have help and established AIDS care homes, treatment centers, trained and educates, advocate for human rights, right to access to treatment and availability to easy access of affordable and accessible HIVAIDS services, to reducing stigma and discrimination and for universal access. My mission is to preaches better understanding of the disease and its social impact, tirelessly teaching and promoting prevention and behavioral changes, living positive life for those infected and strongly urging the community to ‘stay negative’ of the virus.
I have dedicated my medical career and my personal life and resources to combat the HIVAIDS epidemic and perseveres to generate a positive, and a basic change in the perception and attitude within societies toward those infected and affected by the devastating epidemic associating with many governments and organizations around the globe.
“There are many greater men and women deserving this award and to be the chosen one is truly a blessing. I accept it with grace, with much joy and satisfaction, aware that a common man as I am can achieve this – making it true that if one truly believes in what we do and does that with our heart set squarely on that belief. I accept this on behalf of father, my family and the family of AHF, friends, colleagues and all those persons that toiled each day to make a difference, extend precious lives, restoring dignity and hope for people with HIVIADS in Cambodia and other parts of the globe.”
Thank you once again from the core of my heart to the King, the Royal Government of Cambodia for this truly tremendous honor. I am overjoyed and it has catapulted me to higher state of motivation and for that I am truly privileged and blessed.
Okun Charn! Okun!
-----------------------------------------
ABOUT DR. CHINKHOLAL THANGSING
Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing, MBBS, FCAMS son of Mr. Paokhosoi Thangsing a native of Manipur, North East India is graduated from the North Eastern Regional Medical College and a Postgraduate Fellow of the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences, trained also in Applied Psychology and HIVAIDS dedicatedly work for over twenty years as a physician, and HIV specialist and an AIDS activist since the year 1990. Affectionately, known as ‘Lal’ he passionately work providing compassionate care and support, attend to the psychosocial needs of people infected and affected by the epidemic of HIVAIDS. He dedicated his medical career and his personal life and resources to combating the HIVAIDS epidemic and perseveres for a positive and basic change in the perception and attitude within societies toward those infected and affected by the devastating epidemic. He network, collaborated and associated himself with many boards, association, many organizations in India and to many other parts of the globe. He establishes care homes, treatment centers, shelter homes, trained and educates, an ardent advocate the rights to access for PLHAs to receive treatment, and for the availability of affordable and free medications for HIV diseases’ and related infections. He promotes join ventures, comprehensive and integrated HIVAIDS programs and takes the task of reducing stigma and discrimination and for universal access on a war footing. He walk the talk and preaches better and in depth understanding of the disease, its socio economic impact, prevention and the promotion of behavioral changes, the benefits of positive living for those infected and strongly urge the community to stay ‘Negative’ of the virus.
He is frequently “A voice crying in the wilderness”, and his dedication knows no bounds. Bursting with love for his fellow beings ‘Lal’ as Roger Dragonnette Editor of City Beat summed up in his article on Dr. Thangsing “He has a face as open and cheerful as the laughing Buddha’s, a personality devoid of airs. Here’s a man who has gone beyond the Hippocratic Oath, and redefined it”
He is the Asia Pacific Bureau Chief of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, United States of America’s largest nonprofit AIDS organization established in 1987 which provides cutting edge medicine, care and support services for over 96000 patients with HIVAIDS in 23 countries globally in the United States, Latin America/Caribbean, Africa, Asia Pacific. AHF operates in Cambodia, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal in collaboration with governments and with national and international nongovernmental organization in the Asia Pacific region.
After his medical training at the North Eastern Regional Medical College, Manipur in 1984 he work at Sielmat Christian Hospital and Research Centre, Lamka, Manipur as Chief Medical Officer. In 1990, he started seeing HIV patients thus began the beginning of his fight against the disease and his compassionate treatment services for patients with HIVAIDS and as a clinician activist for the rights to treatment and access of medical care services of people living with HIV and AIDS. In 1995 he completed his post graduate in Family Medicine a post graduate Fellowship from the Christian Academy of Medical Sciences, Vellore in south India. He conducted awareness amongst medical peers, personnel and consults and joined Society for Life Line Operations (SHALOM) in Lamka, Manipur as clinician, HIV specialist setting up innovative patient care services including the first home based care programs in India through the project and immediately scaling up the availability of a team that values kindness, true compassion with common goal of restoration of dignity and hope while immediately combating new infection, setting up prevention measures and the goal to conquering stigma and discrimination against people living with HIVAIDS, their families and loved ones in Manipur. This shaped his inner goal and gave him the vision and mission of his life.
In 1996, acknowledging the dire need of services for the rapidly spreading epidemic and the need to provide care and treatment and to aim to address issues of health, HIVAIDS and development named set up a society called the Agency for Community Care and Development (ACCAD). Through this agency he address crucial care services and tackle stigma and discrimination of people with HIVAIDS which as unavailable.
In 1997, he moved to New Delhi and was confronted by abysmal lack of basic HIV care services and excruciatingly painful status of people infected and affected he began to provide services for people with HIVAIDS wearing various hats as a consultant administrator, HIV specialist, physician, an activist and outreach worker, advocate for the rights of people with HIVAIDS. His presence and dedicated services spread and he gained a legendary status in the fight against HIVAIDS. This gave solace and hope to many infected and affected people by the disease in Delhi. His HIVAIDS pioneering efforts was recognized by various agencies including Richard Gere, a renowned Hollywood actor who honored his contribution for HIVAIDS and rewarded him at a gathering of celebrities in New Delhi in 1998.
He committed his energy, heat and soul, his expertise to various non profit nongovernmental organizations establishing and creating innovative measure to bring care and treatment and support services for the stigmatized HIVAIDSD patients in New Delhi and various parts of the country. He focus also on providing healthcare services for women and children assisted organizations, nurture manpower and resource developments and build skills and capacity of people involved and set up HIV Crisis Care Center Shelter home for IDUS with HIV and specialized IP and OP services constantly striving to better such services. He tirelessly advocate for rights to treatment and care for people with HIVAIDS, universal access to healthcare. He often joined forces with other organizations corporate homes and pharmaceutical companies to promote education and HIVAIDS awareness and organized, conduct numerous training programs on HIVAIDS building a cadre of highly skilled care and treatment providers - doctors, nurses, lawyers, paramedics’ activists groups.
In 1998 he associated with Sahara a nonprofit organization and assumed the duties as Medical Director which is the first center for HIVAIDS care the ‘Michael’s Care Home’ in New Delhi which soon became the symbol of hope for people with HIVAIDS to take refuge, be cared for, be loved, renewal of faith, hope and dignity. As Director he worked closely with various organizations and with the national programmes in India dealing with various issues related to healthcare, access, availability, affordability, human rights, stigma and discrimination, training and education of physicians and partnering with NGOs and the pharmaceutical companies organized treatment education, sensitization of physicians and healthcare workers in New Delhi and other parts of India. He also associated with Sharan, The Naz Foundation India Trust in 1998 a sexual health agency in New Delhi set up the first HIVAIDS specialty clinic dedicated for HIVAIDS and STI treatment as its Medical Director. He also associated with Action India as Director of HIVAIDS Project; As HIVAIDS Program Director for an International Organization Project Concern International in 2003 he headed the HIVAIDS Programs in seven states of India.
He 1999 started an informal network of physicians providing treatment and care services for people with HIVAIDS ‘AIDS Care Physicians Alliance’ (ACPA), ‘The Touch of Hope Foundation’ committed to provide high quality and compassionate services to the unserve and underserved. A strong advocate for HIVAIDS Patients, he is outspoken and his belief that all human beings are equal and that all those living with HIVAIDS have the fundamental right to basic medical services and fights for equality of treatment services for universal access to high quality services, access and availability of free and affordable medicine and care services.
He served on many Boards and Committees related to HIVAIDS, a member of various forums such as Advisory Board Member of Mainline Holland, Member of the Board of Ethical committees of various organization including the LRS Institute of TB and Allied Chest Diseases, Sharan, Sahasee, Asia Pacific NeuroAIDS Consortium, Asia Pacific Pediatric HIVAIDS Consortium.
His clinical expertise has been recognized write and consults on sexual health issues, he promotes preventive medicine, safe sex behavior and sexual health for reputed magazines like Marie Claire, Q&A on HIV and sexual health for some national dailies. He is a keen photographer and document his works of photography was exhibited by the US Embassy American Center in 2006 as the “Photos of Hope” he wrote a song lyric for the 2007 World AIDS day video “ Song of Hope” which was released by the US Embassy in New Delhi. He toured and lectures extensively on HIVAIDS treatment, prevention and represent the face of physician activist at various national and international meetings and workshops.
He continues the crusade of providing cutting edge medicine and advocacy combating the global epidemic with tireless zeal and passion.
He is a life member of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI), International AIDS Society and various other national and international associations.
Source: DR. CHINKHOLAL THANGSING
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Tam bang a Zo suonte gampam apat nasep hoiman Award muthei i um pen ki letsah huai kasa hi. Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing ahileh mi kukal, mi hou nuop, mi phatuom ngai leh mi lungtang siengtah ahiban a sepna ngaisah mi guntu ahi. Zo suonte min South East Asia a ang thansah pen ki letsahpi um kasa mama hi. Ka lungdampina sangpen ka thon. Congratulations!
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