Mon observes International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

DIMAPUR — In remembering those who have died of AIDS and honouring the people who have dedicated their lives to helping those living with and affected with HIV, the Mon District Health Society (DHS) celebrated ‘International AIDS Candlelight Memorial’ on Sunday at the conference hall of the District Hospital, Mon, on the theme “Together we remember, together we heal, through love and solidarity.”

The event was jointly organised by DAPCU, Shansham, Mon Users’ Network, FI-ARTC, OST Centre, Vihaan and AHANA organisation, supported by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).

Speaking at the event, the chief medical officer (CMO) of Mon and guest speaker, Dr. Imnapokim, has appreciated the organisers for celebrating the event in the district. He stated that event was a community mobilisation campaign to raise social consciousness about HIV/AIDS, stated an update from office of the CMO, Mon.

“It is not only the department or the organisation but every individual’s duty to create awareness,” he said.

Mentioning that it has been more than 40 years with no specific medicine to cure HIV/AIDS, he urged to light candle with the hope that one day a medicine would be discovered to cure the disease. Besides, he also urged to light the candle to show love and support and that there would be no discrimination and stigmatisation against those infected with the virus in the society.

Longyim Tzudir, DPO DAPCU, Mon, briefed on the district HIV and AIDS scenario and a short speech was delivered by Y Pongba K, president of All Wards Union Mon Town.

The programme was chaired by Stephen, programme manager of Shansham Organisation, Mon, while an invocation prayer was said by YP David K, DH chaplain, and a song was presented by residents of OST Centre, DH.

The candlelight vigil was led Ngamyoh K and concluded with a benediction said by Vijay Thapa, pastor of Gorkha Baptist Church, Mon.