Mon: International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2014 in Mon District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit (DAPCU) in collaboration with key partners with support from NSACS observed the 31st International AIDS Candlelight Memorial service on May 18 at OST Chapel Hall, District Hospital, Mon under the theme ‘Let’s Keep the light on HIV’. The programme began with a welcome address by chairperson Ngipkheih K, DAPCU, while Longyim Tzudir, DPO shared on the significance of the day.
The guest speaker Mr.Kaipa K, Vice President, Konyak Union in his speech acknowledged the Health workers and NGOs for their selfless service particularly in the field of HIV. He also encouraged those who are living with HIV to come forward and take proper and timely treatment to live a healthy life. He further called upon all sections in the society to stand together to show love, care and support to people living with HIV.
Besides presentation of special song by OST Clients of District Hospital, Mon, other key resource persons include Dr. Rey, Project Medical Referral and Mensan, Health Promoter from MSF and Seno, Nodal Officer, RRC, Wangkhao College.
The members from churches, civil societies, students, health workers, NGOs and well wishers led by Hangkoi, Nursing Sister, DH, light the candles to pay honour to those who lost their lives to HIV.
The Candlelight Memorial service concluded with a special prayer by Dil, Associate Pastor, Police Baptist Church, Mon.
Peren: The 31st International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was observed in Jalukie town on May 18 at Jalukie town Local Baptist Church. The program was organised by Network of Peren District People Living with HIV/AIDS (NPDP+) in collaboration with the District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU) Peren. The program saw participation from the HIV positive people, health workers, social workers, churches, community members, members from Evangelical Graduate Fellowship Jalukie, DAPCU and Project VIHAAN staff.
D K Zeliang, IFS (Rtd)/ Senior EGF, who was the special guest spoke on this year’s theme – ‘Lets keep the light on HIV’. The speaker urged community members to commit themselves to providing a supportive and positive environment for the PLHIVs where they can come out openly to seek health care, social benefits and support from the church. While conveying the message through a Christian perspective, the speaker instilled in the minds of the PLHIVs and all participants, that ‘Hope’ is not lost. Khriethonuo Tungoe, DPO DAPCU shared on the significance of the memorial program while Khuikung (NPDP+) gave positive sharing.
The program opened with invocation prayer by Asst. Pastor, JTLBC, Jalukie and concluded with benediction from Head Deacon, JTLBC, Jalukie.
