Kohima | November 24 : An interaction between Media leaders and representatives of organizations involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS today acknowledged the need to forge a partnership. The need to reach out to the rural areas and creating awareness about the disease was acknowledged. It was agreed that Nagaland’s media is playing and should continue to play a most crucial role in educating the masses. The organizations in the interaction included Avahan, the India initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and NSACS. The interactive symposium broached the aspect of situation that called for a mass people’s movement where everyone can involve in spreading awareness and in eradicating stigma and discrimination.
Delivering the keynote address, Health & Family Welfare Minister Kuzholuzo Nienu acknowledged the crucial role played by Media in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He said the government is ‘very serious, aware and is committed to assist and support the endeavors towards eradicating the dreaded menace.’ He said that the Legislators’ Forum on HIV/AIDS was formed to give political support in addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS and that each of the 60 legislators are making a contribution of Rs. 1 lakh each towards the cause. He has made an appeal to the people living with HIV/AIDS to avail the services offered by various care and support services, in order to reverse the epidemic in the state.
Speaking on the challenges of health and HIV/AIDS in Nagaland, Commissioner & Secretary Menukhol John expressed satisfaction that the level of awareness has seen a quantum jump in the recent past. He said the number of people visiting health centers has shot up. He also said mother to child infection remains a major area of concern. Project Director of NSACS, Dr. Neiphi Kire, while reminding that Nagaland is the second highest prevalent in adult infection, however, assured that the prevalence is declining. He expressed satisfaction that the combined efforts are paying dividends.
The Managing Director of The Morung Express Akum Longchari lamented that the lack of a strong value system and a comprehensive human rights culture has further caused greater vulnerability among the marginalized. He emphasized on the urgent need to empower response to HIV/AIDS in Nagaland to become a people’s movement. In fact, Longchari pointed out to the need to place fight against HIV/AIDS within the broader context of social change.
Editor of Ao vernacular Tir Yimyim Temjen Jamir suggested conducting seminars for parents and also to actively involve students in teaching moral values in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Earlier, speaking on the achievements and challenges for the media, president of the Dimapur Press Club Dilip Sharma said that whereas the Media was willing to highlight the issue, it often lacks inputs and called for effective coordination between those organizations involved and the Media. He also suggested awareness seminars and symposiums at various levels throughout the state. Also, noting that there have been no visible signs of stigma and discrimination decreasing, he lamented that there have been no success stories in this regard.
Representing the electronic Media, Pradeep Pareek called for honesty and transparency among the organizations involved, the communities, the victims and even the Media. Some of the peer educators involved in the field also shared their views and experiences during the programme. Penny Richards, Advocacy Officer, Avahan India AIDS Initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, acted as moderator during the interactive session.

Church ‘joins’ HIV/AIDS fight

The Baptist church in Nagaland appears to have taken to the alarmingly-high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland. The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) today informed that it has adopted a resolution to address the issue and have already taken up a number of initiatives and activities.
Director of Nagaland Development Outreach of the NBCC, Dr. Hukashe Zhimomi spoke at an interaction programme with senior Media persons on HIV/AIDS at the PHQ here today. He said the apex body of Baptist churches in Nagaland, the NBCC, a conglomeration of 20 associations and 1400 churches, has unanimously resolved to address the issue of HIV/AIDS and has committed to enhancing coordination and response. He reiterated the church’s commitment to respond responsibly to the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and to restore basic human rights and dignity to every individual, maximize prevention, treatment, care and support and promote greater involvement of people living with the disease within the church and community.
Dr. Hukashe highlighted some of the initiatives and activities undertaken by the Baptist church in Nagaland. These include educating church leaders, steps to deal with stigma and discrimination; advocating the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS; framing a church policy on HIV/AIDS; addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children; supporting local churches offering care to people living with HIV/AIDS.
The church, Dr. Hukashe said, has been dealing and addressing the HIV/AIDS issue through a policy which aims at enabling greater involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS. It seeks to reduce stigma and discrimination, give care and support and adequate treatment; uphold human rights and justice through advocacy and to affirm and support further research or development related to HIV/AIDS. Besides, Dr Hukashe said, the church has adopted what it called the ‘Positive Living Centre’ or PLC at Dimapur to seriously address the needs of PLHAs by offering healthcare, improve socio-economic conditions and instill positive prevention.

Add to: Add To Any Service!