DC underscores need for stakeholder to sit together and work out strategies
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 1
Dimapur district observed World AIDS Day here at District Hospital Dimapur on the theme “Communities makes the difference.”
Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi, who was the guest speaker of the event in his address, said the first step to combat the HIV/AIDS menace is early detection and prompt treatment. The DC said if early detection and prompt treatment is done, then a HIV positive or AIDS victim has every chance to live his or her full lifespan.
Referring to statistics of Nagaland ranked as third among states with highest HIV prevalence rate and with Dimapur topping the list among districts in the state, Khinchi underscored the need for stakeholder to sit together and work out strategies on how to check the HIV/AIDs menace, especially in the commercial hub.
On stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), he said society has a big role to play to dispel misconceptions regarding HIV/AIDS. After all, the DC said HIV/AIDS is also disease just like any other disease and there should not be any discrimination towards PLWHAs.
Pointing out that 90 percent of HIV transmission is through sexual route, Khinchi further said NGOs have a big role to play in counseling commercial sex workers.
Chief judicial magistrate and secretary, Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA), Ajongba Imchen, said all stakeholders including district administration, doctors, DDLSA and NGOs working in the field of HIV/AIDS should make it a mission to eradicate HIV/AIDS. He also said it was the responsibility of the stakeholders to ensure that PLWHAs are not discriminated in any manner, be it in office or workplace, jail, hospital or police station or other community services.
Extending commitment and solidarity to PLWHAs, president of Christian Forum Dimapur, Rev. Moses Murry, also urged upon PLWHAs never to give up hope, especially in the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.
Counselor, CAD Foundation, Imtimenla spoke on the significance of World AIDS Day and a couple of PLWHAs also shared their testimonies. On the occasion, a minute silence was also observed in memory of victims of HIV/AIDS.
Earlier, deputy CMO, Dr Antoly Suu, delivered the welcome address.
The programme was jointly organized by District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit (DAPCU) and DDLSA in collaboration with partner TI NGOs, Dimapur.
