EM Bureau
Dimapur, Dec. 1 (EMN): Several districts across Nagaland observed ‘World AIDS Day’ in their respective headquarters on December 1 on the theme “Equalise.” World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1 to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.
Kohima: National AIDS Control Society (NACO) and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) jointly observed ‘World AIDS Day’ at Hotel Japfü in Kohima.
Speaking on the church’s response to HIV, Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachu, general secretary of KBPF, stressed the need to educate youngsters including children in order to bring changes and achieve the goals of eradicating the dreaded disease. He emphasised that children could be sensitised on the issue during Sunday school classes.
Alice Yhoshü, president of Kohima Press Club (KPC), expounded on the important of the media in creating awareness about the diseases as large number of people are still unaware about HIV. Yhoshü has sought the cooperation of NSACS among other organisations to keep the public aware about the infection.
Abou Mere, president of NNagaDAO, reminded that the virus don’t discriminate any group of age. He has criticised the complacency attitude of the state government towards the issue of HIV/AIDS. He alleged that the government is not sparing even those healthcare peer educators from NGOs, who are barely earning INR 3,000 as salary by imposing them professional tax.
Kethosezo Tetso, a RRC member from Kohima Law College, has sought more awareness, counseling and support service towards sensitising the youth on the matters pertaining to HIV/AIDS.
Nchumbemo Mozhui, legal consultant from the Health and Family Welfare department, stressed on the importance of HIV/AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act 2017 as a powerful tool to defend infected people against stigma and discrimination among others from the society.
Lanu Aier, who has been living with HIV for 25 years, appealed to the public to do away with stigma attached with HIV/AIDS so that infected people could come forward to avail free services in the state for the safety of everyone.
On the occasion, Dr. Thorhusie Katiry, NHM mission director, launched the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” posters. Dr. Akuo Sorhie, NSACS project director; Dr. Sudhir Chawla, public health specialist of CDC India, New Delhi; and Vincent Belho spoke during the programme.
Earlier, S Pangyu Phom, minister of Health and Family Welfare, flagged off a cycle rally.
Dimapur: District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), Dimapur, in collaboration with district-level network NGOs and development partners, observed ‘World AIDS Day’ at the chapel hall of the District Hospital, Dimapur.
Speaking on the occasion as guest speaker, the CMO of Dimapur, Dr. I Moatemjen, stated that they should not observe the World AIDS Day just for the sake of it but must also make some commitment and spread awareness to protect the people from HIV infections.
Emphasising on the theme, Dr. Moatemjen attributed inequality as the main reason for increase in HIV infections. Mentioning on gender inequalities where girls were not allowed to go to school, he stated that attending school reduce getting HIV infection by up to 50%. Other reasons included lack of access to treatment, discrimination, stigmatisation, criminalisation etc.
To put an end to inequality, Moatemjen has suggested ensuring all girls attend school, stop gender-based violence, support women organisations, and service for children living with HIV.
Moatemjen further suggested equal access to rights, services, and best medical service to achieve the goal of eliminating HIV by 2030.
Mokokchung: Students of School of Nursing, doctors and DAPCU staff observed ‘World AIDS Day’ by organising a walkathon from IMDH to the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), followed with a programme held in the conference hall of the CMO’s office.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the CMO Dr. Limatula Aier stated that World AIDS Day gives a chance to people all over the world to gather against HIV and support those who are living with HIV. She encouraged to spread the message of equality among man, especially patients living with HIV and to confront those prejudices suffered by them.
A testimony was also delivered by an HIV positive person on the benefit of seeking medical assistance from the professionals. He urged the people to come forward for timely testing of HIV and medication.
The theme speaker and SDO (C), Longdiba Sangtam, informed that the United Nations aims to eliminate HIV/AIDS by the year 2030. While expressing skeptical about meeting the target within the said timeline, he was of the opinion that the rate of transmission could be minimised only if the people come together and make concerted efforts.
He further added that ridding stigma and discrimination relating to HIV/AIDS could enable people to come forward and get themselves tested and go a long way in containment and elimination of the epidemic.
Phek: Phek district observed ‘World Aids Day’ at Dr. Wethselo T Mero Memorial Hall of the District Hospital, with the deputy commissioner of Phek, Kumar Ramnikant, as the special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC stressed on the importance of giving equal treatment to all the HIV positive people through moral support and encouragement so that they might have the will power to live a normal life in the society. He also spoke on the importance of sensitising the community on HIV/AIDS to have a positive attitude and approach towards the HIV positive people.
He urged the participants to put away any kind of stigma in the community and suggested organising awareness programmes, seminars and sensitisation programmes for persons living with HIV.
Mese Letro, president of District Level Network, shared that he faced so many stigma and discrimination during the initial stage after he was detected with HIV in the year 2002. He requested the participants not to stigmatise but support in whatever possible ways.
Dr. Rovingunuo Vakha, MO FI-ART at DH Phek, spoke on the significance of World Aids Day and added that quality life should be given to all persons living with HIV and not stigmatise them.
Dr. Khriezotuo Paphino, CMO of Phek, encouraged the participants to be an ambassador and an agent of change in the district by creating awareness on HIV/AIDS.
Peren: Peren district observed ‘World AIDS Day’ at Peren Town Women Welfare Hall with Seyievilie Pfiikri, EAC of Peren, as the special guest. The programme was organised jointly by DAPCU Peren, in collaboration with District Level Network Peren, RRC of Peren Government College and Government Higher Secondary School, Peren.
On the occasion, Seyievilie launched a free baseline investigation for initiation of ART, which was procured under RBF by District Health Authority, CMO Peren. Seyievilie encouraged the gathering to take an active role in fighting against the pandemic. He said every individual can contribute and has a role in fighting against the pandemic.
Pauzedibe, FI ARTC counselor, shared on significance of the day, while Lhaiboi, PE CCA Ahthibung, shared her testimony and a song was presented by the students of Government Higher Secondary School.
Longleng: The district health society, Longleng, commemorated ‘World Aids Day’ at EBRC Hall in Longleng town with Dr. B Henshet Phom, vice principal of Yingli College, as the special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. B Henshet Phom, urged every responsible individuals, citizens, leaders and the people to rededicate themselves towards achieving the goals to eliminate HIV/ AIDS by 2030. He stated that still 90% of the new HIV/AIDS infections are from marginalised sections of the societies and are discriminated.
Basing on this year’s theme, he called upon every section of people, leaders as well as the citizens to take equal responsibilities in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Altogether, 59 persons from various NGOs, church leaders and students from all the schools in Longleng town attended the programme.
