Dimapur, October 27 (MExN): The Kripa Foundation on Tuesday has appealed for political leadership to address health concerns in the State.
Expressing concern over the closure of Nagaland’s Legislative Forum on AIDS (LFA), the Foundation stated that the number of new HIV infections is increasing in Nagaland, and stressed the urgent need for political leadership to accelerate response against HIV and other health issues in the State.
It was earlier reported that the State Government had decided to disband the LFA due to ‘paucity of funds’.
“Our state predominantly has a higher rate of HIV, substance use and abuse, viral hepatitis, cancer, mental health and sexual reproductive health problems, than the national average,” the Foundation noted.
Scientific study shows that only 16% of the youth have comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS; and 37% of sexually active youth engaged in high-risk sexual behavior (NFHS-IV). The HIV sentinel surveillance 2019 among pregnant women HIV estimations 2019 shows that adult HIV prevalence is seven times that of the national average, and HIV incidence is 16 times that of national average is not only complex but is multifaceted, it further stated.
The Foundation highlighted the need for political leadership to take forward health (HIV) policies. “Achieving Naga political solution and bringing development into our state shall be meaningless, if our people succumb due to various health concerns and complications, which is preventable, manageable or treatable,” it reasoned.
In view of the situation, the Kripa Foundation Nagaland appealed to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and all the elected legislators to continue with LFA’s significant work in response to HIV and also expand its scope of work with new able staff to uphold the welfare of the people.
