NSACS & Horti dept collaborate to alleviate condition of PLHIVs

EMN
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19

An advocacy programme on HIV/AIDS for the officers and staff of Horticulture department was held on February 11 at the conference hall, Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima, where a total of 70 participants from the directorate and from across the State attended the programme. The programme was conducted by NSACS with the main objective to help the PLHIV community through schemes and programmes available within the department of Horticulture.
The programme began with a welcome note by Achumthung Patton, consultant – mainstreaming, NSACS. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. L. Watikala, joint director, NSACS. She highlighted on mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS with government departments and thanked the Horticulture department for showing their desire to help the people living with HIV/AIDS.
Dr. R.E. Lotha, deputy director, Horticulture, in his keynote address highlighted the desire on the future collaboration between NSACS and Horticulture department. He mentioned that Horticulture department is “committed to implementing various trainings for the PLHIV community which will be of short term income generation activities that will enhance their livelihood.” He appreciated NSACS for conducting and organizing such “a noble and knowledgeable programme for the staffs and officers of the department.”
A short presentation on the mainstreaming activities with government departments was shared by Achumthung Patton. This was followed by session on “HIV scenario in the State” and “Basic of HIV/AIDS & stigma and discrimination” by Dr. Rose, State Programme Officer HIV/TB, where he highlighted about the alarming rate of HIV/AIDS status in our state through unprotected sex and drug use.
Ayieno Kechu, Deputy Director, (IEC) gave a presentation on the programmes, activities and services available under NSACS which was followed by a brief overview on the topic of “Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA)” by Tarepnokcha Jamir, GIPA coordinator, NSACS.
Meanwhile, NSACS has extended its heartfelt appreciation to Watienla Jamir, director Horticulture, Dr. R.E Lotha, deputy director and Elluba, Assistant Horticulture Officer for ensuring participation of staff from across the State and for their commitment to train PLHIV on income generation activities to promote livelihood through mushroom cultivation, kitchen gardening, preservation of food items, etc., starting with Dimapur, Tuensang and Kiphire districts.