Wetsho Lasushe, EAC Phek speaking at the World AIDS Day programme in Phek on December 1.
Dimapur, December 1 (MExN): District Aids Program Control Unit (DAPCU) in Nagaland observed World AIDS Day 2020 under the theme ‘Global Solidarity Shared Responsibility’ on December 1.
World AIDS Day is celebrated every year on December 1 to create public health awareness about AIDS which is a deadly disease caused by HIV infection.
Zunheboto: DACPU, Chief Medical Officer Office, Zunheboto observed World AIDS Day 2020 at Conference Hall, District Hospital Zunheboto on December 1.
Dr K Akaho Sema, CMO, Zunheboto addressing the event as the guest speaker said that HIV is not gone but it is with us. “Today is the day to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and also to remember to those who have lost their life to HIV/AIDS,” he stated.
He expressed concern about the alarming increase as Nagaland records one of the highest prevalence rates with 1.5 % HIV/AIDS. He called upon the gathering to do away stigma and discrimination.
He challenged the gathering that it is not only the responsible of the health department but it is the responsible for every section of people according to their ability. He called upon the health workers, RRC members, and the public leaders to come together for fighting against HIV/AIDS with collective effort.
Tovi Advocate, Member of District Legal Service Authority shared about the Legal Aids to PLHIV.
A quiz competition was held and certificates were handed over to the winners of quiz competition and Grants-in-Aid were given to CLHIV beneficiaries.
Jubit K, District ICTC Supervisor, chaired the programme while Hokishe Chophy, DPO, DAPCU delivered the welcome address and shared about the significance of the day and brief history of HIV/AIDS pandemic.
A one minute silent prayer was held in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.
Zhetoli, Staff Nurse, DH invoked God's blessings and Visheli, Community Care Coordinator pronounced the benediction.
Phek: In Phek, the Phek DAPCU along with DLN, ELF, AHANA and VIHAAN Phek, observed World AIDS Day on December 1 at Town Council Hall, Phek sponsored by Nagaland State Aids Control Society (NSACS)
Speaking at the programme, guest speaker Wethso Lasushe EAC Phek said that our contribution towards people living with HIV plays an important role.
As a responsible individual, citizens and leaders we can achieve the goal to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030 if only we contribute our solidarity and shared our responsibility towards the people living with HIV/AIDS and stand united, he said.
He also stated that the observation of World Aids Day every year can be meaningful if we contribute our role and not stigmatize and discriminate the HIV patients.
During the programme CMO Dr Vibeituonuo Mepfuo gave away the grant in aid to three children living with HIV for educational support for one academic year with a cash amount of Rs 12000 each which was sponsored by NSACS.
Result of the district level NSACS online quiz competition and winners in various categories was also declared by DPO, DAPCU.
Mese Letro, president PNP + FO AHANA stated that knowing our HIV status is important and having a positive attitude and thinking plays a big role in our life. He also requested the participants not to stigmatize the people living with HIV but to contribute morally and physically in the best possible way.
Brief presentation of HIV scenario of Phek district was given by Hierhotho Kajiri DIS, DAPCU while a special number was presented by Akhruto Dozo RPC member.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Thuputo Venuh PM ELF, while invocation prayer was pronounced by Thepfuneizo Yhor Pastor, Angami Baptist Church, Phek Town and vote of thanks was delivered by Vezotalu Shijoh.
Kohima: In the State capital, the DAPCU Kohima in collaboration with the Kohima Network of Positive people (KNP+) observed World AIDS Day 2020 at the District Tuberculosis Centre with Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kohima as the special guest for the occasion.
The ADC congratulated the PLHIV speaker in the program for her courage and setting an example for other PLHIV to come forward and not to live in fear of stigma and discrimination. She added that the PLHIVs are not alone in their fight against the disease and that the administration would gladly help wherever possible. She also encouraged all the Children Living with HIV (CLHIV) beneficiaries to do well academically. The NSACS provided a one-time educational assistance to 3 CLHIVs in the district who were felicitated in the programme. The significance of the day was shared by Yhuni, KNP+ President and the closing remark was delivered by Sentimongla Tzudir, District Program Officer, DAPCU.
