NSACS to launch intensified IEC campaign

KOHIMA — The Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) under the aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has decided to launch a two-month intensified information education and communication (IEC) campaign.

Addressing media persons, NSACS project director, Dr. Ahu Sekhose, informed that the campaign would be launched on August 12 at NBCC Convention Centre in Kohima. He said the campaign is going to be a pan India event, which would be launched on the same day as India faces a significant health challenge with HIV/AIDS, being a country with the second highest number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the world.

Dr. Sekhose pointed out that even though the national HIV prevalence is low, as of 2023, there are approximately 25.44 lakh PLHIV in India with 68,450 new HIV infections reported in 2023. He maintained that there are certain states that have shown a rising trend in HIV prevalence, which is attributed to multiple routes of transmission including some states like Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.

The PD stated that Nagaland, to some extent, have stabilised the epidemic and there has been no increase in the cases for the last four-five years. He, however, stated that Nagaland still has the second highest in prevalence rate next to Mizoram. Nagaland has 1.34 HIV prevalence rate.

He informed that Nagaland has a total of 14, 113 people living with HIV/AIDS as of June 2024.

In order to enhance the knowledge level of general population and equip masses with information about HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) across the country, a two month ‘Intensified IEC campaign’ would be launched and intended to reach all nooks and corners of the state.

The key objectives of the entire 60 days campaign included enhancing knowledge and understanding of the general population with accurate information about HIV and STI and to promote safe practices and reduce stigma. It endeavours to foster an environment that encourages preventive measures and reduces discrimination against those affected.

It was highlighted that there would be two- types of broad based categories in which the activities would be carried out at the rural and urban levels.

Under rural level, there would be village level meeting on HIV and awareness, school outreach programme in villages, disseminating information on HIV and STI at AB-HWCs in villages through IEC materials, inter-personal communication (IPC) sessions during village health, sanitation and nutrition day (VHSND) and folk performances. Under rural level, a total of 780 villages in Nagaland would be covered.

Under the urban level, there would be rally, flash mobs, awareness sessions in colleges through Red Ribbon Clubs (RRC), special camps at government hospitals (state and district level) and sensitisation for ombudsman and complaints officers on HIV and AIDS Act, 2024. Meanwhile, Thejangunuo Theunuo, NSACS deputy director (IEC), said the campaign in 780 villages would be carried out by the field functionaries in the district in coordination with district administration and village councils.

During the campaign at rural level, folk performance would be put up by the BZ entertainments.

In urban areas, the first rally would be held from August 12 in commemoration of International Youth Day.

The theme for each week (lasting for eight weeks) is ‘Routes of transmission and prevention strategies,’ ‘Myths and misconceptions,’ ‘Risk perception and promotion of services,’ ‘Promotion of national toll free AIDS helpline–1097,’ ‘Condom promotion and safe sexual behaviours,’ ‘STI prevention and treatment,’ ‘Substance use and drug abuse’ and ‘Stigma and discrimination.’

A total of 129 villages would be covered in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts, 63 villages in Kiphire, 68 village in Kohima and Tseminyu, 28 villages in Longleng, 52 villages in Mokokchung, 73 village in Mon, 52 villages in Peren, 59 villages in Phek, 46 villages in Tuensang and Shamator, 80 villages in Wokha, 102 villages in Zunheboto and 28 village in Noklak.

Further, it was informed that about 2500 students and other delegates are expected to attend the August 12 launch events. It would feature different activities such as exhibition stalls, photo-booth, selfie-booth, HIV and syphilis test and counseling, interaction with HIV–drug users’ community, games and competitions among others.