Nagaland takes aim at HIV/AIDS with information campaign

KOHIMA — Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Minister, P Paiwang Konyak, stressed the importance of education and community involvement in combating HIV and AIDS during the launch of an intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign in Kohima on Monday.

He urged young people to become ambassadors for the cause.

Speaking at the NBCC Convention Centre, Konyak lauded the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) for initiating the pan-India IEC campaign to coincide with International Youth Day. He emphasised that this initiative is more than just a programme- it’s a movement to empower communities with knowledge and understanding that can transform lives.

Over the next two months, the campaign will reach across Nagaland, raising awareness about HIV, promoting safe practices, and combating stigma and discrimination.

The minister said that the campaign is designed to bridge the gap by disseminating vital information in a way that is accessible, engaging and impactful.

He stressed that the campaign goes beyond simply raising awareness; it aims to educate, providing knowledge that can drive positive behavioural change and lead to healthier communities. The campaign will utilise various platforms, including traditional and digital media, community outreach, and face-to-face interactions to reach diverse audiences, he said.

Konyak emphasised the collaborative nature of the initiative, involving government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, educators, and the media working together to maximise its reach and impact.

He also called for active participation from all members of society, saying that collective action is crucial in order to make a difference.

The minister went on to say that the main weapons in the fight against HIV are awareness, testing and treatment. While information is power, “it is only powerful when it is understood, embraced and acted upon”, he added.

Furthermore, he encouraged all the participants to be ambassadors of the campaign, spreading the message far and wide, ensuring that the knowledge shared will lead to a brighter and healthier tomorrow.

In his opening remarks, V Kezo, Commissioner and Secretary, and Chairman of NSACS, said that the campaign is not only about information and communication activities, but also about fostering self-worth and self-value.

While advising students to choose their friends carefully and make wise decisions to protect their physical and mental well-being, he also encouraged them to cultivate both inner and outer beauty.

Kezo went on to outline how the campaign would be implemented through collaborations with district administrations, village councils, schools, interpersonal interactions and outreach programmes.

The minister administered an HIV and AIDS-free pledge to attendees, visited exhibition stalls, and launched a rally from the NBCC Convention Centre to NLA Junction.

The event, led by NSACS Project Director Dr. Ahu Sekhose, featured a performance by Moko Koza and a ‘flash mob’ by Lamgrace Dance Studio.