19th July 2006, Hotel Japfu, Kohima
A Workshop for formation of Red Ribbon Club (RRC) was organized by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) with University & Principals of different colleges on the 19th of July 2006 at Hotel Japfu Kohima. Altogether 37 participants from 13 colleges, Nagaland University and NSACS attended the workshop. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Imkonglemba, Secretary Health & Family Welfare. In his keynote address, Mr. Imkonglemba thanked and welcomed all the participants and informed that this workshop was a run-up to the main workshop scheduled for the 3rd of August with the Governor where officials from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) are also expected. He also stated that the workshop was being convened in the backdrop of communication received from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the formation of RRC (RRC) in all colleges and University to create and raise awareness on HIV/AIDS and voluntary blood donation.
This was followed by a self-introduction of the participants.
Dr. Kumuni Kathipri, Project Director NSACS presented an overview of the HIV/AIDS scenario in the State, country and the world and the programmes being implemented by NSACS. She emphasized that HIV/AIDS affects the most productive age group in the Society. Statistics from January 2002 to 1st June 2006, (NSACS) reveals that almost 50% of HIV+ cases are in the age group of 15-29 years.
Dr. Kumuni Kathipri acquainted the participants with the Red Ribbon Clubs (RRC) movement. She highlighted that the 20,000 students studying in about 42 colleges of general education, Polytechnics and different Departments under Nagaland University (statistical handbook 2004) can help in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS if factual and timely information is provided to them.
The RRC is to be a part of the Student body in all colleges with the Principal of the college as the Patron, a lecturer as a Nodal Officer and advisor and 10-15 students as executive members. The RRC can hold debates, quizzes, street plays etc on HIV/AIDS and be a source of information and referral for HIV/AIDS issues at the college.
The main objectives of the RRC:
• To disseminate information about HIV/AIDS through peer educators
• To strengthen the Voluntary Blood Donation movement
• To involve the youth in planning and implementation and
• To promote responsible behaviour among the youth.
The role of NSACS is to co-ordinate with the Directorate of Higher Education, conduct orientation of RRC members and provide technical support.
Dr. Piketo Sema, Director Higher Education, informed that last year a workshop for College Principals and lecturers was held at the Directorate of Higher Education in collaboration with NSACS and as decided at the workshop, all colleges were instructed to appoint one lecturer as a nodal officer for HIV/AIDS issues in the colleges. With about 50% of HIV/AIDS infected in Nagaland being young people, he stated that Principals and lecturers can take responsibility in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people of the State. A good coordination among key stakeholders will be important for a successful implementation of the RRC programme.
Dr. Kumuni Kathipri stated that preventing HIV/AIDS is much beyond awareness. She said that the youth need to become involved in the planning of implementation of RRC. The RRC will be one process which will empower youth to demand beneficial services and begin the process of behavioural change. She also informed that the School AIDS education as part of a National programme is being implemented in the State to help young children develop life skills and be able to resist pressure.
Summing up the workshop the Secretary Health & Family Welfare discussed and reviewed the recommendations made during the discussions.
• HIV has declared war and the State needs to respond on a war footing
• Good coordination at all levels
• Coordination between NSACS, Youth Resources, University and Directorate of Higher Education for a successful programme
• More documentaries to reach out to youth
• Information in local dialects.
• Red Cross Society need to take more initiatives
• Funds to ensure smooth functioning of RRC activities
• Incentive to nodal teacher for RRC
• Due recognition to Nodal teachers
• Certificates for students
• RRC - Workable programme in colleges
• RRC – To be given priority and HIV/AIDS issues treated as an emergency
• Colleges to ensure documentation of RRC activities
• Colleges to make realistic plan of activities for RRC
• Incorporating HIV/AIDS issues in the syllabus (Environmental Studies)
• Transfer of teachers/Government college Principals.
• Identify teacher with good communication skills.
• Encourage the nodal teacher to initiate RRC programmes.
• Individual Colleges/University will decide which student body organization will be entrusted with RRC activities – (NSS/NCC/Red Cross etc.)
• Individual Colleges to decide the executive members (6-16 members with 50% women)
• RRC (45 colleges/university) & incentive to nodal officer – amount to be finalized subject to the availability fund.
• Voluntary Blood Donation – Rs.8400 (50% to be released as advance and the remaining after the activity.)
Dr. Piketo Sema informed that another meeting on RRC has been tentatively scheduled by His Excellency, the Governor of Nagaland on the 3rd of August and therefore all participants should make themselves available for the said meeting without fail.
