DISHA observes International Youth Day across Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The District Integrated Strategy for HIV and AIDS (DISHA) observed International Youth Day 2025 on Tuesday across multiple districts of Nagaland on the theme “Local youth actions for the SDGs: preventing HIV and promoting health”.

The event was organised in collaboration with local colleges, Red Ribbon Clubs, motorcycle groups, and other partners, featuring awareness programmes, resource sessions, and rallies to promote HIV prevention and health awareness, according to press statements.

Dimapur: In Dimapur, DISHA, in collaboration with the United Riders Motorcycle Club and the Red Ribbon Club, Immanuel College, observed the day at the college premises. The resource speaker for the event was Dr. Hotoka Hesso, senior medical officer (SMO), Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Plus Centre, District Hospital Dimapur.

Dr. Hesso, in his address, stressed the importance of raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and promoting healthy living. Addressing the youth, he stated, “You are not only the future; you are the present, and your health is your future.”

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Highlighting that HIV and AIDS is treatable and manageable, he emphasised that it is also preventable, which is the best approach to living a life free from it.

He further outlined the steps for responsible individuals: first, to undergo testing to know one’s status; second, to access free treatment to suppress the virus and prevent transmission; and third, to remain protected and avoid spreading the infection by adhering to preventive measures and using protective tools.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), an antiviral medication to prevent HIV infection, and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), an antiretroviral medication taken after potential exposure to the virus, were also highlighted. He stated that HIV is primarily transmitted through unsafe sex, sharing of needles, blood transfusion, and mother-to-child transmission.

He urged the participants to take responsibility not only for their own health but also for contributing to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through regular testing, safe practices, and spreading awareness.

He added that education is another powerful weapon to fight the virus by learning, sharing, and ending stigma. By collaborating with like-minded individuals, this grave health issue can be addressed, he stated.

Kohima: The DISHA Kohima, in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Club of Don Bosco College, Kohima, observed the day. The programme was chaired by Bendang Jamir, Red Ribbon coordinator, Don Bosco College, Kohima.

Sentimongla Tzudir, district programme officer (DPO), DISHA Cluster, Kohima, conducted a session on the routes of transmission for HIV and AIDS.

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After the programme, a rally led by bikers was conducted, with students holding placards bearing messages on HIV and STIs. The students also distributed pamphlets containing information on HIV and AIDS along the way.

The rally began from Don Bosco College to Kohima College and back. A total of 120 students participated in the rally.

Longleng: DISHA Longleng celebrated International Youth Day at VDB Hall, Longleng.

A press release from the CMO’s office, Longleng, stated that Dr. Temsusashi, DPO, in his keynote address, mentioned that International Youth Day is observed worldwide to address issues faced by the youth, to bring them onto the global platform, and to spread the message that action is needed from all generations to achieve the SDGs.

He also reiterated that the youth are not only the leaders of the future but also agents of change today.

During the programme, a short talk on HIV and (sexually transmitted infections) STIs was given by Litei, STI counsellor, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Lita, DIS, Longleng. The programme was followed by the launch of the Intensified IEC campaign in the district.

A rally was also organised, with 160 participants, including members of the local bikers' club and students from Yingli College and Bautung Government Higher Secondary School, Longleng, carrying placards with messages related to the event’s theme.

Mon: The day was observed in Mon by DISHA, in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Club, Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Mon, and supported by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).

Longyim, DPO, DISHA, in his keynote speech, stated that the team has been organising International Youth Day for the past few years with the goal of educating young people at the local level about the value of their involvement and how they are agents of change and part of the solution.

He stated that the programme’s SDGs remain relevant today and that the behaviour of the youth determines the goals for HIV/AIDS prevention and health promotion. He also explained the 95-95-95 target, which refers to the goals set by UNAIDS to combat HIV/AIDS.

It aims for 95% of people living with HIV to know their HIV status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on ART to have a suppressed viral load. This target is part of SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.

He noted that since there are currently no vaccines or cures for HIV and AIDS, the only option is to raise awareness and educate people on how to avoid contracting the disease. He therefore urged everyone present to serve as a conduit for knowledge and to raise as much awareness as possible among the people of the community.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Supongmenla Walling stated that her message for the day was to be a healthy person and a healthy youth. According to her, being healthy does not only mean being free from illness but also being physically, mentally, and socially healthy.

She also placed strong emphasis on education while discussing the three dimensions of health that contribute to a person’s overall well-being, stating that education and health are intertwined.

She said that education is the key to providing a person with the knowledge and skills required to make sound judgements in all aspects of life. She therefore urged all GHSS Mon students to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives by maintaining good health and education.

After the event, students carrying placards with messages on HIV and STI prevention, care, and routes of transmission joined the motorcyclists in a large rally.

NEISSR: The Youth Development Specialisation of the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) observed the day at its premises in Chümoukedima.

Rev. Fr. GL Khing, vice principal, NEISSR, exhorted the trainees on the occasion to be resourceful for the benefit of society. He stated that the youth are “the now of society” and the best resources of the nation. They must live constructively, engage with the given tasks, and take up responsibility to brighten the face of society.