Free treatment ‘beacon of hope’ for PLHIVs — DC Dimapur

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal, on Sunday, said free and high-quality treatment were now available for individuals affected by HIV, and it comes as a beacon of hope for those grappling with the challenges posed by the condition.

Addressing the 40th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2023 at Chavara Home conference hall, Dimapur as special guest, Jasiwal said added communities have shown commendable support, although further efforts are required to bridge the gap, and it is imperative to spread this message throughout the community and in schools to foster understanding, empathy, and solidarity.

The DC said one crucial aspect of this endeavor is to eliminate any form of discrimination against affected individuals, as discrimination only exacerbates the difficulties they face, and it is essential to foster an inclusive society that supports their well-being and rehabilitation.

He went on to say that the stigma surrounding the condition often leads affected individuals to question their own lives and self-worth. In order to address this, it is vital to provide counseling and support services that cater to their psychological and emotional well-being, he shared.

Jaiswal stated that amidst the challenges, there were countless heroes who continue to lead fulfilling lives despite the condition, and their stories of triumph over adversity should be widely shared to instill hope and discourage feelings of discouragement among those who may be struggling.

He added that while a final cure for the condition is yet to be discovered, it is essential for affected individuals to continue their medication as prescribed.

Delivering the keynote address, President of NNP+, Lanu Aier stated that Nagaland’s adult HIV prevalence is 1.36%, which is second highest in India next to Mizoram.  According to the NACO report on 2022, Nagaland has recorded a total of 1015 HIV positive cases, he informed.

Aier added that the HIV positive women under antenatal care (ANC) in Nagaland, as per NACO HSS Plus Report 2021, stood at 1.61% as against the national average of 0.22, which is the highest in the country.

He went on to say that over 28 million people have died from AIDS since the AIDS epidemic began in 1981, and more than 42 million people were still coping with HIV and AIDS.

Aier mentioned that the commemoration of International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day was an opportunity to honour those who have lost their lives and to come together as a community to show their support for people living with HIV and recommit to working together towards ending HIV.

At the event, short solidarity messages were delivered by DPO of DAPCU, Mecievinuo; Dimapur Naga Students’ Union speaker, Michael Kath; SMO ART Plus Centre Dimapur, Hotoka Hesso; Executive Director of Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre, Chenithung and Associate Pastor of Ao Baptist Arogo Padumpukhuri, Chubatemjen.

The event was held on the theme “Spread Love and Solidarity to Build Stronger Communities” organised by the District Aids Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), Dimapur and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) Kohima in partnership with NNP+, PND+, CDC/PATH, HIV AIDS Alliance India, FPAI and ARK Foundation.