Candlelight vigil marks World AIDS Day in Kohima

KOHIMA — A poignant candlelight vigil marked World AIDS Day organised by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), and the Network of Kohima District People Living with HIV and AIDS (KNP+) on Friday evening in Kohima.

Sangkai, KNP+ vice president, highlighted that the world unites annually on December 1 to commemorate World AIDS Day. He emphasised on showing support for individuals living with HIV and remembering those who succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses.

Sangkai articulated the significance of empowering and supporting communities in their leadership roles. He added that World AIDS Day aims to amplify the potential of community leadership to bring about an end to HIV.

“The call to action stresses the integration of community leadership into all HIV plans and programmes encompassing formulation, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation,” Sangkai asserted.

Saying “Nothing about us without us,” he sought involvement of persons affect with HIV at every level. He also emphasised that funding for communities’ leadership roles must be consistent and adequate to facilitate necessary scale-up.

He stressed that addressing barriers to communities’ leadership is vital by necessitating an enabling regulatory environment facilitating their role in providing HIV services, ensuring civil society space, and protecting the human rights of all, including the marginalised communities.

He further asserted that increased funding is crucial for the AIDS response to enhance awareness, eliminate stigma and discrimination and improve the quality of life of those living with HIV.

The programme, chaired by Mushem, KNP+ joint secretary, featured a moving performance by singer Aseno Metha.

The programme concluded with a prayer said by Bendangshi Walling, associate pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Church.

Also read: NNP+/DLNs not to participate in NSACS organised World AIDS Day 2023