HIV/AIDS is a ‘together problem’

 

World AIDS Day in Kohima
 

Kohima | December 1: Along with the rest of the world, the NNP+, Legislator’s Forum on AIDS-UNAIDS, DAPCU, Network of Kohima District People Living with HIV and AIDS (KNP+), and FXB observed World AIDS Day at the Naga Hospital under the theme ‘Universal access and human rights’. Dr. Nandira Changkija, Medical Superintendent at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) acted as the guest speaker.
Dr. Changkija said that HIV/AIDS needs the efforts of one and all, as it is a ‘together problem’, not individual, and time has come to challenge ourselves about the reality and take it as a responsibility. She appreciated all the participants for showing solidarity with their presence and added that as the theme ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’ suggests, we should not stop here but time has come for us to move forward to seek universal access without barriers.
Dr. Vinito L Chishi of the Legislators Forum on AIDS (LFA)-UNAIDS, talking about the significance of the day said that the Legislators Forum on AIDS-UNAIDS (LFA) is committed. He said that by 2015, the 1.2 percent prevalence rate would be brought down below 1 per cent and Nagaland will no longer feature in the world map on HIV/AIDS.
He further pointed out that human rights violations are still aplenty as children are denied admissions in educational institutions, treatment, etc., and so we need to give rights to those infected and affected and not categorise or isolate them but treat them as people.
Kiyasetuonuo Solo, NSG at NHAK, also gave a short speech on the occasion on the role of the nursing community as caregivers. Special songs were presented by Positive Voice KNP+, Senti, NMA, CCC and Aosunep, Naga Idol Runners up 2007. Yhuni, KNP+, shared her personal experience and appealed to the public not to discriminate but love them.

 

 

Dimapur NGOs’ work showing results

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 1 (MExN): World AIDS Day is held around the world on December 1 every year raising awareness on the pandemic. This year’s theme is ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’. In Dimapur, the day was commemorated with local NGOs active in the area observing the occasion. The District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) and Community Awareness & Development (CAD) Foundation of Dimapur observed the day on Tuesday, December 1, holding small programmes, yet significant in their own right.
DAPCU, Dimapur, conducted its programme at the district hospital’s chapel hall. Father Joe Ngamkhuchung, Director of NEDHIV Dimapur, was the speaker, and Rev. Thebemo Yanthan, Academic Dean of Eastern Bible College, was a guest speaker.
CAD Foundation held its programme at their office premises, opposite West Police Station. Around 80 participants including ‘positive’ people took part in the observation. Participants from DNP+ shared their personal experiences with the gathering while quiz competitions and games based on the theme were organised. The prizes were sponsored by the Lions Club of Dimapur (Blue Vanda).
With NGOs and government agencies alike getting involved in the fight against the deadly HIV/AIDS pandemic like never before, changing society’s attitude towards the virus, or to be more precise people carrying the virus, is very fundamental. Eradicating prejudice was one of the main aspects speakers at during today’s programmes stressed on.
When asked on her observation of the attitude of the ordinary folks towards HIV and AIDS, District Programme Officer for DAPCU Dimapur, Meyisangla Longkumer said that people are gradually becoming enlightened as a result of the NGOs carrying out awareness programmes.
Social activist K. Ela, director of Prodigals Home, felt that there has been a big shift in the mindset of the people over the years, but that there is still room for improvement. “The fear (of the virus) is less” now, she said. “As long as fear is there, the negativity is more and with ignorance it is even worse,” she opined. Ela observed that there has also been a drastic change in the attitude of the Church as compared to few years ago. Prejudice mostly is born out of ignorance; eradicating it will make the job of the NGOs more fruit bearing, she expressed.

 

 

Mokokchung, December 1 (MExN): “World AIDS Day is observed every year to generate awareness, draw attention to the HIV epidemic, remember loved ones who have died, show solidarity with people living with HIV, celebrate survival and health, and raise money for HIV and related causes,” said Dr. Neiphi Kire. The Project Director for NSACS was speaking at the Police Point, Mokokchung, on Tuesday, as the district joined the rest of the state and the world in observing the Day.
Giving the welcome address was Dr. Nchamo, Medical Superintendent at IMDH, Mokokchung. Nukshinaro, GIPA coordinator, while speaking on the theme appealed to leaders to strengthen and improve the overall health care system, work out an effective strategy for people to access ICTC, PPTCT STI Clinics and harm reduction programmes. She also called for addressing the needs of ‘infected and affected’ children, providing free medical tests and treatments, protecting the rights of PLHIVs and involving PLHIVs in program planning and implementation, among others.
SDO (Civil) for Mokokchung, Kesonyu Yhome, IAS, said, “We have fallen victim to one of the most dreaded epidemics. It is only fitting that we show our solidarity to all those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, and that HIV is the business of everyone and we need to work together in the campaign against HIV and AIDS.” Yhome further stressed that the attitude towards PLHAs and high risk groups need to be changed in order to effectively fight HIV, and pointed out that the rights of PLHAs need to be understood.
The Chancel Choir of Mokokchung also performed at the event with a special number ‘When you believe’.

 

 

Our Correspondent | Kiphire | December 1
Making a great landmark in the fight against HIV and AIDS, Kiphire district today observed the World AIDS Day held under the theme ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’. The programme was organised by the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Kiphire, at the Police Point with public leaders, administrative officers, NGOs, civil societies and citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire expressed dissatisfaction at the poor response of the people on the day. He elaborated on the aims and objective of the day and asked the gathering to access their universal right to healthcare. He also encouraged the gathering not to shy away from the disease but to come forward to avail all medical facilities available in the district. He encouraged the people present for the programme to go for voluntary blood tests which, he said, “will help you to live a healthy life.”
Earlier, speaking on the theme of the day, Dr. I Sungit, CMO Kiphire, said, “If you are denied healthcare you can go for complaint as it is your right to do so,” and added, “know what will cause HIV/AIDS”. He also pointed out that the “government is giving lots of money to take care of HIV/AIDS” and so called the people to come forward and avail the services.
Pisela, vice president of KpNP+, gave her life testimony. In addition, street plays and other items were also presented during the programme. Others who spoke on the day included the president of KpNP+ and the programme manager for IBAPWO. Issac Losou Programme Assistant, Kiphire, delivered the vote of thanks.