DPO of the DAPCU Meyisangla Longkumer interacting with participants of a one-day HIV/AIDS awareness programme held at the Special Handloom Expo, organized by Touch Life and DAPCU in Dimapur on Wednesday, September 7. According to a recent debate in Facebook, most young people agree that seminars, small group discussions etc are more helpful in spreading awareness about HIV and AIDS. (Caisii Mao Photo)
Dimapur| September 7: The much-hyped music entertainment-based anti-HIV/AIDs campaign and awareness drives in Nagaland are being closely watched – and questioned – by knowledgeable citizens and youths in the state. In fact, surprisingly even some youths are questioning if at all entertainment is the right context in which the exact purpose of the HIV/AIDs campaigns would be accomplished considering they are both dichotomies.
Currently, a topic of interest and heated debate is about ‘rock concerts, music shows and competitions’ as methods to fight HIV/AIDS in Nagaland, is raging on the global social networking site Facebook. Facebook has literally hundred thousands of Naga youths, even senior citizens, who openly and freely discuss everything from extortion to murder to politics and social change about Nagas and Nagaland.
With NSACS RockAware – a statewide music competition – just around the corner, people have started to speculate whether using entertainment or even music and sports events to carry the HIV/AIDs message would effectively reach to people. Some members of a prominent Naga group on Facebook have been discussing this subject since Friday, September 2.
An active member of the group Vikeduo Linyü had posted a query – ‘Are the rock concerts/shows/competition etc organized in Nagaland, to create awareness on HIV/AIDS amongst the youth really spreading the message? Or is it spreading the disease and not the message?” The query stirred opinions among the members.
Responding to the query, most of the members agreed that it has not helped in spreading awareness on HIV and AIDS as most of the “concert goers” are less bothered about the cause. In fact, as is the undeclared truth in Nagaland, music entertainment is synonymous with alcohol. Members of the group implied that the open and carefree environments that music and entertainments offer, give youths even greater opportunity to use alcohol and socialize even more freely. In the sense, they are more vulnerable to the risky behavior, some member said.
Education & actual Participation
Rozelle Mero of People Channel: “Instead of spending money on concerts only, why don’t we utilize that to educate the masses through films and documentaries of how it is transmitted and what happens to those with the disease, what can we do to prevent it, where should they go for help, better counselors. Something about visual impact and seeing it realistically on screen and maybe hear those who are closer to home share, will be more of an impact. Take it to the villages, to the schools and colleges and to the urban theaters and make them witness the harsh reality. Shock value sometimes helps more. Not a superficial moment of enjoyment and commiseration and light a candle and forget it as soon as you leave.”
Likewise, writer and Senior Journalist Al Ngullie of The Morung Express opined that when he goes to a concert ‘I am young and when I go to a concert, I’m not wondering how many Nagas are infected by HIV/AIDs; I am wondering only whether they would play Led Zeppelin or Chet Atkins.’
Al Ngullie, who has worked with NGOs and institutions including churches and students’ unions on issues of HIV/AIDS and Commercial Sex Workers (CWSs) before he become a well-known Journalist in Nagaland, said: “Concerts are attractive but the one medium that would definitely evince change of any degree is education and information. Fund the schools and churches to organize not music competitions but writing competitions, students’ discussions; set up question booths and seminars where they can sit and hear and see the dreadful message that HIV/AIDs have to say.”
Himself a musician in his heydays, Ngullie stated further: “There is a reason why history calls Music as ‘entertainment’ and ‘Education’ as ‘knowledge.’ You live by you have learned. Fund students and youth organizations to organize actual knowledge dispensation activities such as seminars or study tours to hospitals or meeting with the affected people like they do in the developed countries.”
The Senior Journalist referred to the US and UK. He said developed countries have no ‘awareness rock concerts’ or ‘awareness singing competitions’ “because they already understand the strategies that involve the shaping of perspective – they have tours to hospitals and patients’ wards where HIV/AIDs patients are treated.” So, he said, “their youths have more hands-on experience to be afraid and be careful in future because they have seen.” Here, he added, “We seem to only sing.”
Using a youth-friendly tool
However, there are those who agree with the method. When contacted, a person involved with the RoackAware campaign said music is the “language of the young people” and by organizing such entertainment shows, it is easier to reach the youngsters. He added that to reach the young people, a “different approach” has to be taken. The person did not wish to be identified.
Enquiring on youngsters and alcohol use, he admitted that while volunteers do check for ‘bottles,’ people still find “101 ways” to get drunk or to drink inside the venue. “Our hope and prayer is, if few percentages, if not all, will hit to what we say,” he said.
Further, enquiring on how awareness is spread among the people, Counselor of CAD Foundation, Neikupeu said that usually 20 to 30 are targeted and they are given education on HIV and AIDS, making sure that theses people will reach larger audience. She added that awareness about HIV and AIDS should start from grassroots level, only then it will help in implementing bigger projects successfully.
Abou Mere of the Director of Kripa Foundation of Nagaland felt that concerts organized two years ago by the Nagaland State AIDs Control Society (NSCAS) received ‘positive response’ from all the districts except for Kohima and Dimapur. He explained that the motive behind organizing concerts is to ‘pull people’ and ‘create awareness’ about HIV and AIDS. However, he also admitted that ‘projects designed from the national level may not always work for the state level.’ He said that the state government should come up with a strategy to tackle whatever is ‘not covered by national level projects’.
Members of the Facebook group have also suggested that more stress should be given to the school institutions. This would be more productive, some of the members said.
Education and the Grassroots
Emphasizing more on educating the masses on HIV and AIDS through different ways, Dr Lanusungkum Jamir, an HIV consultant stated that it should begin from school by including it as an additional subject in the curriculum. The NGOs should visit educational institutions and present seminars, show documentaries etc. He also added that Church being the influential institution in the society should work harder to reach the masses in spreading awareness as well as to shun the stigma labeled on people living with HIV and AIDS.
He added: “Despite the government’s assurance of dropping rates of new cases, data available since 2008 with DAPCU (District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit) Dimapur, show ANC (Ante Natal Clinic) rates consistently above 2%, i.e. 2 in every 100 pregnant mothers visiting the hospital and getting tested, are positive rates. Unlike other diseases that primarily affects extremes of age (either the very old or the very young) HIV infects people in their prime, when one can be most productive, and hence it is very important that disease prevention methods, whether through targeted interventions or awareness programs be addressed to this population at risk.”
On the effort put by NSACS, he said that knowing that Nagas love for music and fashion; NSACS has tied up with Naga Idol (Orpheus Hunt), various local beauty pageants and invested in road shows. “But a mere token representation is of no value, probably NSACS need to tailor make program schedules which cater to local sensibilities rather than hand me downs from NACO.”
Also, the president of DNP+ Moa Phom has admitted that multimedia campaigns have not helped much. He said that HIV and Aids cases have increased, stating that in Dimapur alone earlier it was 100 cases per year but now it has increased to approximately 70 to 80 cases per month.
He stated that using music as a tool to reach people is a good move but it would be better if funds are also utilized to reach backward areas in the state since the people residing in these areas are uneducated and more vulnerable to the disease.
Regrettably, the NSACS officials were reluctant to comment on the issue ‘over the phone.’
Currently, a topic of interest and heated debate is about ‘rock concerts, music shows and competitions’ as methods to fight HIV/AIDS in Nagaland, is raging on the global social networking site Facebook. Facebook has literally hundred thousands of Naga youths, even senior citizens, who openly and freely discuss everything from extortion to murder to politics and social change about Nagas and Nagaland.
With NSACS RockAware – a statewide music competition – just around the corner, people have started to speculate whether using entertainment or even music and sports events to carry the HIV/AIDs message would effectively reach to people. Some members of a prominent Naga group on Facebook have been discussing this subject since Friday, September 2.
An active member of the group Vikeduo Linyü had posted a query – ‘Are the rock concerts/shows/competition etc organized in Nagaland, to create awareness on HIV/AIDS amongst the youth really spreading the message? Or is it spreading the disease and not the message?” The query stirred opinions among the members.
Responding to the query, most of the members agreed that it has not helped in spreading awareness on HIV and AIDS as most of the “concert goers” are less bothered about the cause. In fact, as is the undeclared truth in Nagaland, music entertainment is synonymous with alcohol. Members of the group implied that the open and carefree environments that music and entertainments offer, give youths even greater opportunity to use alcohol and socialize even more freely. In the sense, they are more vulnerable to the risky behavior, some member said.
Education & actual Participation
Rozelle Mero of People Channel: “Instead of spending money on concerts only, why don’t we utilize that to educate the masses through films and documentaries of how it is transmitted and what happens to those with the disease, what can we do to prevent it, where should they go for help, better counselors. Something about visual impact and seeing it realistically on screen and maybe hear those who are closer to home share, will be more of an impact. Take it to the villages, to the schools and colleges and to the urban theaters and make them witness the harsh reality. Shock value sometimes helps more. Not a superficial moment of enjoyment and commiseration and light a candle and forget it as soon as you leave.”
Likewise, writer and Senior Journalist Al Ngullie of The Morung Express opined that when he goes to a concert ‘I am young and when I go to a concert, I’m not wondering how many Nagas are infected by HIV/AIDs; I am wondering only whether they would play Led Zeppelin or Chet Atkins.’
Al Ngullie, who has worked with NGOs and institutions including churches and students’ unions on issues of HIV/AIDS and Commercial Sex Workers (CWSs) before he become a well-known Journalist in Nagaland, said: “Concerts are attractive but the one medium that would definitely evince change of any degree is education and information. Fund the schools and churches to organize not music competitions but writing competitions, students’ discussions; set up question booths and seminars where they can sit and hear and see the dreadful message that HIV/AIDs have to say.”
Himself a musician in his heydays, Ngullie stated further: “There is a reason why history calls Music as ‘entertainment’ and ‘Education’ as ‘knowledge.’ You live by you have learned. Fund students and youth organizations to organize actual knowledge dispensation activities such as seminars or study tours to hospitals or meeting with the affected people like they do in the developed countries.”
The Senior Journalist referred to the US and UK. He said developed countries have no ‘awareness rock concerts’ or ‘awareness singing competitions’ “because they already understand the strategies that involve the shaping of perspective – they have tours to hospitals and patients’ wards where HIV/AIDs patients are treated.” So, he said, “their youths have more hands-on experience to be afraid and be careful in future because they have seen.” Here, he added, “We seem to only sing.”
Using a youth-friendly tool
However, there are those who agree with the method. When contacted, a person involved with the RoackAware campaign said music is the “language of the young people” and by organizing such entertainment shows, it is easier to reach the youngsters. He added that to reach the young people, a “different approach” has to be taken. The person did not wish to be identified.
Enquiring on youngsters and alcohol use, he admitted that while volunteers do check for ‘bottles,’ people still find “101 ways” to get drunk or to drink inside the venue. “Our hope and prayer is, if few percentages, if not all, will hit to what we say,” he said.
Further, enquiring on how awareness is spread among the people, Counselor of CAD Foundation, Neikupeu said that usually 20 to 30 are targeted and they are given education on HIV and AIDS, making sure that theses people will reach larger audience. She added that awareness about HIV and AIDS should start from grassroots level, only then it will help in implementing bigger projects successfully.
Abou Mere of the Director of Kripa Foundation of Nagaland felt that concerts organized two years ago by the Nagaland State AIDs Control Society (NSCAS) received ‘positive response’ from all the districts except for Kohima and Dimapur. He explained that the motive behind organizing concerts is to ‘pull people’ and ‘create awareness’ about HIV and AIDS. However, he also admitted that ‘projects designed from the national level may not always work for the state level.’ He said that the state government should come up with a strategy to tackle whatever is ‘not covered by national level projects’.
Members of the Facebook group have also suggested that more stress should be given to the school institutions. This would be more productive, some of the members said.
Education and the Grassroots
Emphasizing more on educating the masses on HIV and AIDS through different ways, Dr Lanusungkum Jamir, an HIV consultant stated that it should begin from school by including it as an additional subject in the curriculum. The NGOs should visit educational institutions and present seminars, show documentaries etc. He also added that Church being the influential institution in the society should work harder to reach the masses in spreading awareness as well as to shun the stigma labeled on people living with HIV and AIDS.
He added: “Despite the government’s assurance of dropping rates of new cases, data available since 2008 with DAPCU (District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit) Dimapur, show ANC (Ante Natal Clinic) rates consistently above 2%, i.e. 2 in every 100 pregnant mothers visiting the hospital and getting tested, are positive rates. Unlike other diseases that primarily affects extremes of age (either the very old or the very young) HIV infects people in their prime, when one can be most productive, and hence it is very important that disease prevention methods, whether through targeted interventions or awareness programs be addressed to this population at risk.”
On the effort put by NSACS, he said that knowing that Nagas love for music and fashion; NSACS has tied up with Naga Idol (Orpheus Hunt), various local beauty pageants and invested in road shows. “But a mere token representation is of no value, probably NSACS need to tailor make program schedules which cater to local sensibilities rather than hand me downs from NACO.”
Also, the president of DNP+ Moa Phom has admitted that multimedia campaigns have not helped much. He said that HIV and Aids cases have increased, stating that in Dimapur alone earlier it was 100 cases per year but now it has increased to approximately 70 to 80 cases per month.
He stated that using music as a tool to reach people is a good move but it would be better if funds are also utilized to reach backward areas in the state since the people residing in these areas are uneducated and more vulnerable to the disease.
Regrettably, the NSACS officials were reluctant to comment on the issue ‘over the phone.’
‘Every month 50-60 new cases of HIV/AIDS in commercial hub’
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 7
Dimapur | September 7
one-day HIV/AIDS awareness programme was held for members of various self help groups taking part in the Special Handloom Expo at Naga Shopping Arcade, Dimapur, on Wednesday.
The programme was organized by Touch Life Centre (VTP), Chumukedima, with support from the District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU), Dimapur.
District programme officer (DAPCU), Meyisangla Longkumer, in her address said that every month, there are 50-60 new cases of HIV/AIDS reported in Dimapur and that 80% of the HIV/AIDS cases are through ‘sex.”
Highlighting the alarming rate of HIV prevalence in the commercial hub, the DPO said that Dimapur district has the highest number of HIV positive cases in Nagaland.
Stressing on correct and healthy life style to check the scourge of HIV/AIDS, Meyisangla also said that it is the responsibility of each and every citizen to spread HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. She also informed on the facilities available at the district hospital and community health centres for detection and treatment of AIDS.
Advocating that all citizens should go for HIV test for timely treatment, the DPO however said that HIV test is voluntary and that no one can be forced to undergo test.
Further, the ART centre at Dimapur also provides pre and post-counseling to those who come for HIV test.
The Nagaland AIDS Control Society (NSACS) has set up DAPCU in every district.
Managing director of Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (NHHDC), Hokiye Yeputhomi in his vote of thanks appreciated DAPCU and Touch Life Centre for spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS to various sections of society.
The director urged the SHG members to always keep in mind that ‘health is wealth’ and that prevention is the best tool to fight AIDS as there is no cure to the AIDS so far.
The programme was organized by Touch Life Centre (VTP), Chumukedima, with support from the District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU), Dimapur.
District programme officer (DAPCU), Meyisangla Longkumer, in her address said that every month, there are 50-60 new cases of HIV/AIDS reported in Dimapur and that 80% of the HIV/AIDS cases are through ‘sex.”
Highlighting the alarming rate of HIV prevalence in the commercial hub, the DPO said that Dimapur district has the highest number of HIV positive cases in Nagaland.
Stressing on correct and healthy life style to check the scourge of HIV/AIDS, Meyisangla also said that it is the responsibility of each and every citizen to spread HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. She also informed on the facilities available at the district hospital and community health centres for detection and treatment of AIDS.
Advocating that all citizens should go for HIV test for timely treatment, the DPO however said that HIV test is voluntary and that no one can be forced to undergo test.
Further, the ART centre at Dimapur also provides pre and post-counseling to those who come for HIV test.
The Nagaland AIDS Control Society (NSACS) has set up DAPCU in every district.
Managing director of Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (NHHDC), Hokiye Yeputhomi in his vote of thanks appreciated DAPCU and Touch Life Centre for spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS to various sections of society.
The director urged the SHG members to always keep in mind that ‘health is wealth’ and that prevention is the best tool to fight AIDS as there is no cure to the AIDS so far.
