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DIMAPUR — Several districts in Nagaland on Thursday launched the Integrated STI, HIV, TB, Hepatitis (ISHTH) campaign in prisons and other closed settings (P&OCS). The main purpose of the campaign was to find the intensity of the problem of the epidemic and to strategise on interventions so that the particular group of population is not left out.
A state-level launch programme was held at the director of Prison Headquarters in Kohima, wherein the joint director (prevention) of Nagaland State AIDS Control Sociaty (NSACS), Dr. Bernice D Thapru, has highlighted the objective of the campaign.
Dr. Thapru mentioned that the intensive campaign was necessitated nationally because of the prevailing HIV epidemic, which has been observed in prisons and closed settings in India. She informed that Nagaland ranked as the 3rd highest in the country, a DIPR report stated.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]She informed that the campaign would focus on comprehensive health camps, which would include basic testing. She added that the medical teams would conduct screening tests for HIV, syphilis, TB and Hepatitis during the campaign. The campaign would also focus on post linkages to ensure treatment for all clients who have been confirmed with such diseases.
Dr. Thapru informed that the campaign was launched in seven prisons across the state. Other closed settings, according to her, included Social Welfare facilities like Ujjwala Home, Sakhi-One Stop Centre etc. She further stated that the campaign would be evaluated by Niti Aayog through an app.
Also speaking on the occasion, Director General (DG) of Prison, Renchamo P Kikon, has sought the need for a holistic approach to tackle such diseases particularly HIV. He added that sustained effort to such campaigns was required to bring about significant changes among the prison inmates.
He also mentioned the need to sensitise officials not only from the Prison but also from other departments such as Social Welfare department and Medical. He also requested the concerned departments to increase the number of pharmacies in the prisons. He expressed hope that the campaign would help to eradicate HIV not only in the state but across the country.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Later, Kikon released IEC materials for the ISHTH campaign and also launched a health camp in the district jail.
Longleng: District Health Society, Longleng, has launched the ISHTH campaign at district jail in Longleng town on Thursday.
During a short launch programme, Dr. Temsusashi, DPO (NTEP&DACO), presented an overview of the ISHTH campaign. He informed that the campaign was launched to ensure STI, HIV, TB and Hepatitis prevention and treatment services for all inmates living in prisons and other closed settings.
He further stated that the campaign was organised in order to reach out to at-risk population for screening, testing and linkages to treatment of STI, HIV, TB and Hepatitis through hybrid outreach approach.
A short speech was also delivered by the assistant jailor of district jail, which was followed with the launch of ISHTH campaign by Dr. Temsusashi.
It added that counseling and awareness on ISHTH was also given by Pangjongtoshi, ICTC counselor; Lithei, DSRC counselor; and Tongang, STS (NTEP).
Peren: District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU), Peren, also launched the ISHTH campaign at district jail on Thursday.
Speaking at the launch event, the additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Peren, Keyirangding Hegui, who was also special guest, has emphasised on healthy living and changing one’s mindset by contributing more to the society in a positive way.
The ADC also launched the ISHTH campaign during the programme.
Dr. Keholi Assumi, DTO/DACO, urged the jail inmates to avail the testing and general check-up stating that early diagnosis with early treatment is the best way to in managing different ailments.
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