Love, solidarity emphasised at Int’l AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Kohima

DIMAPUR —The state-level programme of the 41st International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, themed “Together we remember, together we heal, through love and solidarity,” was held at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, with students and well-wishers in attendance.

Supported by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), the programme was organised through a collaboration of various partners, including the Network of Naga People Living with HIV and AIDS (NNP+), Kohima Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (KNP+), ARK (Access to Rights and Knowledge) Foundation, Family Planning Association (FPA) of India, and the Red Ribbon Club of St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, on May 19, according to a press release.

Lanu, president of NNP+, speaking on the significance of the event, described it as a unique initiative promoting discussion, education, and action around HIV and AIDS. He emphasised that the day marks an important landmark to remember those who have lost their lives and he expressed gratitude to those who are fighting for the cause.

Moasangla, additional director (GIPA) at NSACS, while delivering her exhortation, emphasised the need to overcome social stigma and promote love. She stated that stigma and discrimination still persist, posing a challenge that needs to be addressed. Moasangla highlighted the importance of expressing solidarity, sympathy, and compassion towards people living with HIV.

While calling upon the youth to embrace people living with HIV with love and care, she informed about the national toll-free helpline number 1097, through which any queries or information relating to HIV can be obtained.

Vizotuolie Kuotsu, district ICTC supervisor for DISHA/DAPCU, shared the latest HIV statistics in Nagaland. He noted that Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur have the highest adult HIV prevalence in India, according to the 2022 National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) estimation. He stressed the need for sustained effort to address this critical health issue.

He informed that in Nagaland, the highest number of cases detected was in Dimapur, with 1,132 cases, followed by Kohima with 278 cases, from April 2023 to March 2024.

A solidarity message was delivered by Dr. Sr. Ranit, vice principal of academic affairs at St. Joseph’s College. She called for unwavering support for those living with HIV, stressing the importance of acknowledging progress in treatment and prevention. Additionally, she highlighted the need for persistent efforts to address the challenges posed by stigma and discrimination.

Ketho Angami, president of the ARK Foundation, lamented that people are continuing to die from a manageable disease. He urged serious consideration of the issue, stressing that more progress is required to meet the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. He highlighted that despite progress made so far, the scenario remains bleak, with new HIV detections reported daily.

He said that today, antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) do not claim a cure, but the treatment is as effective as a cure, which can be considered ‘functionally cured’.