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Dimapur, Dec. 1 (EMN): The Kohima District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), in collaboration with the Kohima Network of Positive people (KNP+) observed the World AIDS Day 2020 at the District Tuberculosis Centre on December 1 on the theme “Global solidarity, shared responsibility.”
The special guest and additional deputy commissioner of Kohima, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, congratulated the positive speaker in the programme for her courage and setting an example for other PLHIV to come forward and not to live in fear of stigma and discrimination, an update from DAPCU Kohima stated.
She added that the PLHIVs are not alone in the fight against the disease adding the administration would gladly help wherever possible. She also encouraged all the children living with HIV (CLHIV) beneficiaries to do well academically.
During the programme, the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) provided a one-time educational assistance to three children living with HIV in the district.
The significance of the day was shared by Yhuni, KNP+ president and the closing remarks was said by Sentimongla Tzudir, DAPCU district programme officer.
In a related programme, Zunheboto DAPCU under the establishment of the chief medical officer (CMO), Zunheboto, observed the World AIDS Day 2020 in the conference hall of the District Hospital on December 1.
An update from the CMO’s office, Zunheboto, stated that Dr. K Akaho Sema, CMO Zunheboto and guest speaker, has thanked the DAPCU, advocate Tovi, Red Ribbon Club (RRC) and also congratulated all the participants of the quiz competition organised by NSACS.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Akaho stated that the day is observed to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and also remember those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. He expressed his concern about the alarming increase in which Nagaland is ranked among one of the highest prevalence states at 1.5 %.
While appealing to the gathering not to stigmatise and discriminate those affected with HIV/AIDS, the CMO stated that it should not only be the responsibility of the health department alone but every section of people should shoulder the responsibility according to their ability.
He further called upon the health workers, RRC members, and the public leaders to come together and fighting HIV/AIDS with collective effort.
Member of Zunheboto district legal services authority and advocate, Tovi, shared about the legal aids to PLHIV.
A quiz competition was also conducted on the occasion and certificate were handed over to the winners. Grant-in-aid to CLHIV beneficiaries were also given during the programme.
Jubit K, district ICTC supervisor, chaired the programme, while Hokishe Chophy, DPO, DAPCU, delivered the welcome address and also shared about the significance of the day.
A one-minute silent prayer was held in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Zhetoli, staff nurse of DH, invoked God's blessings and Visheli, community care coordinator, said the benediction.