District networks reject NNP+ boycott of World AIDS Day

DIMAPUR — A day after Network of Naga People Living with HIV/AIDS (NNP+) president Lanu Aier declared that NNP+ and its district-level networks (DLNs) would not participate in the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society’s (NSACS) World AIDS Day 2023 observation, the DLNs of seven districts have collectively opposed the move.

In a rejoinder, the DLNs of Kohima, Tuensang, Kiphire, Peren, Zunheboto, Wokha, and Noklak claimed that the decision was made by Aier without consulting the DLNs, and therefore they outrightly reject the boycott announcement.

They said that Aier’s declaration was ‘baffling’ and further clarified that the DLNs have resolved to jointly observe World AIDS Day 2023 with NSACS, the district AIDS prevention and control units (DAPCUs), NGOs, faith-based organisations, and well-wishers.

“No further rejoinder in this regard will be issued,” it read.

On November 28, Aier claimed in a press release that in recent years, the PLHIV (people living with HIV/AIDS) networks have been used for nothing more than attendance and as showpieces during World AIDS Day by simply inviting a member to share his or her testimony about living with HIV.

Citing this and expressing dissatisfaction with how the roles of the NNP+ and DLNs are allegedly being undermined, he announced that the NNP+ and DLNs would not participate in World AIDS Day 2023 and that the collective networks were planning to observe World AIDS Day in several districts without the assistance of NSACS and DAPCUs.

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