WCFW conducts seminar on HIV/AIDS and drug abuse

Dimapur, Aug. 18 (EMN): With an objective to spread awareness among the youth on HIV/AIDS and illicit drug addiction, We Care Foundation Wokha (WCFW) organised a seminar on HIV/AIDS and drugs addiction at Government Higher Secondary School in Wokha town on August 17.

Speaking on the occasion, Meribemo Patton, WCFW counselor, stated that drug abuse pose a biggest threat to health and society in general which needs to be completely eliminated from the society. Patton also spoke on the present scenario of drug abuse in Wokha district, which was very high among the youth, stated an update from WCFW.

Patton added that injecting drug users (IDU) are at high risk of infection with blood-borne virus including Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

Renbeni Ovung, WCFW assistant media and information executive, spoke on drug abuse prevention by mentioning three components namely demand reduction strategies, supply reduction strategies and strategies to mitigate the negative health and social consequences of drug use. Ovung also appealed to the participants to collaborate in the fight against HIV/AIDS and drug addiction.

The main focal points discussed during the seminar included providing care, support and methods of prevention. Altogether, 300 students and staff attended the seminar.