Modern Institute of Teacher Education, Kohima, organised an awareness programme on HIV stigma, prevention, and free health screening.
DIMAPUR — The Red Ribbon Club of the Modern Institute of Teacher Education (MITE), Kohima, conducted an awareness programme on the theme “Stop the stigma, start the support” at the college auditorium on Monday.
According to a press release, the event focused on educating youth on HIV & AIDS prevention, addressing misconceptions, and promoting empathy for people living with HIV.
Sentimongla Tzudir, District Programme Officer for the District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DISHA), Kohima, served as the resource person. Tzudir highlighted the critical importance of early screening, confidentiality, and treatment, clarifying that unprotected sexual contact remains the major route of HIV transmission in Nagaland.
Approximately 204 student teachers, teacher educators, and administrative staff members attended the interactive session.
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Participants also engaged in a reel-making competition themed “One reel, one message – stop HIV stigma” to encourage social media-driven awareness and combat misinformation.
The event facilitated free, confidential testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis, with around 50 attendees voluntarily undergoing the screening.
The programme reiterated that combating HIV-related stigma requires a unified approach rooted in awareness, empathy, community support, and timely medical testing.