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Metevino Sakhrie, Joint Director (IEC) of NSACS, speaking to students on the occasion of International Youth Day in Mt. Olive College, Kohima, on August 12.[/caption]
Kohima, August 12 (EMN): Naga youth, who constitute high risk group, were informed of their pivotal role and latent potential towards changing the course of HIV/AIDS epidemic by equipping themselves with information and educating others on the mode of its transmission and prevention.
This concern was raised on the occasion of the International Youth Day held in the auditorium of Mt. Olive College, Kohima, today on the theme “Hands up for #HIV prevention: Yes life, No HIV,” which was organised by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, Department of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of Mount Olive College, Kohima.
Metevino Sakhrie, NSACS Joint Director (IEC), in her exhortation, stated that young people from Nagaland are at high risk of contracting HIV infection. Referring to NSACS SIMS data from April 2016 to March 2017, she said young people from the age group 15-24 years accounted for 15% of HIV positive, while people in the age group of 25-34 years accounted for 42%.
Stating that 90% of HIV transmission in the State is through sexual route, she said sex education has helped in reducing the risk of HIV by delaying the onset of sexual activity and encouraging the safer sexual behaviour. She insisted that the importance of preventing HIV infections among the young people must remain a consistent message in all HIV related programmes.
While appreciating the exemplary works of the RRC, she urged upon them to make the State an HIV free state for the future generation.
Aoyangla, counsellor of Mobile ICTC, also spoke on the necessity of HIV testing and the services available in the sub-centres across the State.
In the elocution competition, the first position was bagged by Imlitemjen of Mt. Olive College, followed by Kazia Zhima of Capital College in the 2nd position and the 3rd place by Wellechila E Chang of Sazolie College.
In the painting competition, Kichu of Kohima Science College won the first prize and Weto-u Kapfo of Sazolie College bagged the second place.