Participants during the advocacy and sensitization programme on HIV and AIDS and drug related Issues with the stakeholders and HRGs at Panchayat Hall, Kezo Town on September 24.
Kohima, September 25 (MExN): The Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) Targeted Intervention (TI) Jakhama in collaboration with Ayush Health Wellness Centre Kezo town, LWS Kripa Foundation and DAPCU Kohima organized an advocacy and sensitization programme on HIV and AIDS and drug related Issues with the stakeholders and HRGs at Panchayat Hall, Kezo Town on September 24.
A press note stated here that the programme was chaired by Kikhwel Kiso, Village Secretary, Kezo Town. A press release from NUN TI Jakhama stated that the programme was attended by around 250 participants.
Vikukhoto Rolnu, Program Manager, NUN TI Jakhama in his opening remark stated that Nagaland Users’ Network is the first state level Drug Users’ Network in the country. Ever since its formation, NUN has been spearheading various advocacy measures that promotes harm reduction services, OST demand generation, prevention and management of Opioid Overdose in the state, treatment literacy campaign on HIV, TB and HCV, COVID19 preparedness providing PPE kits to PUDs, he stated.
Sharing about drug related issues, he said that young people often start to take drugs for testing, to get relief from stress, to calm their anger, peer pressure and gradually end up getting addicted to it. Drug addiction causes mental and physical weakness, it can also attracts various diseases. He also emphasized on the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders and the church leaders to extend their cooperation and support towards the management and treatment of the people who are suffering from drug addiction. “Threats, punishment and social discrimination are not the solution for drug addiction,” the speaker added.
Rokuoneinuo, District Resource person, LWS Kripa Foundation stated that Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. There are two types of hepatitis, one is non viral hepatitis and the other is viral hepatitis. The viral hepatitis is caused by alcohol induced, inhaling toxic fumes and also because of excessive medication, whereas viral hepatitis is caused by a virus. The different types of viral hepatitis are as Hep A, B, C, D, E and G. There is vaccination for Hep B though there is no treatment whereas for Hep C there is treatment but no vaccination.
Dr Adunu Richa, MO, Ayush Health and Wellness Centre Kezo town delivered a session on HIV and AIDS awareness. She expressed concern over the increasing rate of HIV infection in the state and underlined that it is equal responsibility of all the concern citizens. The speaker also stressed on the importance of HIV testing and also urged the audience not to stigmatize the PLHIV but to extend our full support to address the problem.
The programme was held simultaneously with free medical checkup, test for RBS, HIV and AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, CBS screening and malaria testing conducted by Dr Adunu Richa, Dr Zubenthung (MO, Mobile Medical Unit, NRHM, Dr Vekholu MO, Kezocha CHC, Mobile ICTC Kohima, Malaria department Kohima, NUN TI Jakhama and NCD screening (India Hypertension Control Initiative).
Earlier, the programme started with invocation which was led by Khwenil Chiirah, Senior Pastor Kezo Town Baptist church, welcome address by Medozeyo Yhobu, VHC Chairman, Kezo Town and the vote of thanks on behalf of the organizers was proposed by Sabu Tepa, NUN TI PE.
