NSACS Project Director, Dr Akuo Sorhie.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 22
Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), Project Director, Dr Akuo Sorhie encouraged and urged the musical bands in Nagaland to become ambassadors in “our fight against HIV & AIDS so that together we can carry this urgent message of HIV & AIDS to every nooks and corners of our state- with the vision to become the first state in the nation with zero New Infection.”
“I believe together we can, someday, hopefully soon,” she said in her keynote address at NSACS 10th Multi Media Campaign-State level music band competition on February 21 at RCEMPA, Jotsoma under the aegis of National AIDS Control Organization (NACO).
She said that North East Multi-Media Campaign is a special package provided by National AIDS Control Organisation since 2009, especially for the eight north eastern states, to create HIV awareness amongst the youth.
“The campaign is strategized based on the popularity of youth driven activities like music, sports etc. Each year, all the eight north east states conducts music competitions to create HIV & AIDS awareness starting at district level, state level and culminating at the regional level,” she said.
Alarming status of HIV & AIDS epidemic in Nagaland
As per India HIV Estimates 2021, the adult HIV prevalence among 15 to 49 years in Nagaland state is 1.36% which is (6 times) much higher than the national prevalence rate of 0.21%.
Among the states of India, Nagaland state stands second highest in adult HIV prevalence next to Mizoram state, she said.
As per data, the age group of 15-49 yrs contributes to 87.39% of HIV positive in the state and 87.46% of HIV infection in the state is through sexual route. She said that reducing annual new HIV infections by 80% is one of the 5 goals under the National AIDS Control programme Phase V.
Dr Sorhie viewed that to prevent/reduce new HIV infections, especially amongst youth and adolescents, one of the most effective weapons is to create massive awareness through every available platforms.
