DIPR
Dimapur, September 4
A daylong workshop was organized and conducted by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society on August 30 in the district jail of Kohima. The resource persons were youth consultant Ainato Yeptho, coordinator Tarepnokcha Jamir and senior consultant Lanu working in the field of HIV/AIDS. Discussion on the “basics” of HIV and the mode of transmission were “thoroughly discussed” while common misconceptions were clarified, it was informed today. The program was followed by voluntary testing, where seven inmates came forward for testing.
Similar advocacy program in the District jails of Dimapur, Tuensang and Wokha have been planned in the next few weeks.
BDOs
With the objective of increasing the understanding and clarity on the role of BDOs in HIV prevention, care and support, and to garner commitment for coverage of programs/schemes at the block level; making it accessible to People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), a one-day advocacy cum consultation with Block Development Officers (BDOs), on mainstreaming HIV, was held in Hotel Japfü in Kohima on the 3rd of September, 2013.
Dr. NL Changkija, Project Director, NSACS, in her keynote address, encouraged the BDOs to be an ambassador in bringing socio- economic and equal uplift of the community.
Ayieno Kechu, Deputy Director (IEC) NSACS, presented district-wise HIV/AIDS scenario in Nagaland & intervention programs in each of the Districts. She also highlighted the blocks (nine) which are not covered by NSACS’ intervention programme where convergence with RD department and, in particular, with the BDOs was needed.
An overview of “Schemes under Rural Development Department” was presented by Mrs. Jenny Kath, Rural Development Officer, Dept of RD. Mr. Tarepnokcha Jamir, GIPA Coordinator, NSACS, shared the intervention areas of NSACS in mainstreaming with various departments.
M Rollan Lotha, State Program Manager for National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) made a comprehensive presentation on NRLM and possible areas of convergence of NSACS and NRLM for the HIV+ community.
Discussion on the way forward was facilitated by Jongpongchiten, State Program Officer for UNDP-NSACS. The following action points were drawn
(i) Proposal for induction of Mission Director, NRLM in the NSACS’ Executive Committee and Project Director (DRDA) in the DAPCC to facilitate National AIDS Control Program (NACP) and NRLM convergence.
(ii) (ii) The blocks under BDOs who were present would be considered priority for awareness program
(iii) (iii) Blocks with high HIV prevalence to be shared and accordingly prioritize intervention by including VDBs
(iv) (iv) Regular consultation and coordination meeting with NRLM team to facilitate convergence with NACP.
