Dimapur, October 9 (MExN): The Nagaland Development Outreach (NDO) in collaboration with Legislator’s Forum on AIDS (LFA) conducted an advocacy for church leaders on HIV and AIDS at DAN, Dimapur on September 28.
Speaking on the topic ‘HIV/AIDS: Medical perspective,’ Dr. Mulo Jamir, ART Centre, Civil Hospital Dimapur highlighted the definition and history of HIV/AIDS. He explained about the roots of transmission and also on the note of window period of people who get infected. The session was more interactive where the participants asked questions relating to HIV/AIDS.
The State Consultant, LFA Nagaland, Dr. Vinito L. Chishi spoke on ‘HIV/AIDS: A social concern.’ He shared six ways a church can minister to HIV infected person and the strategy of six ways called ‘Church’ that could be used to minister PHLA. He defined church as; C- Care and comfort for sick; H- Handle testing and counseling; U- Unleash a force of volunteers; R- Remove the stigma; C- Champion healthy behavior; H- Help with nutrition and medication.
Dr. Moa Imsong, Counselor, DABA speaking on ‘HIV/AIDS: Church healing ministry’ said that the Church’s mission was not only to evangelize, preach and teach alone. It is also to bring holistic healing to the community”, which he said, “was the main calling of the Church.” He also highlighted the purpose and responsibilities of the church and its leaders towards people living with HIV/AIDS.
“The goals of the Church in the healing ministry shall focus on helping them to heal from emotional wounds, to break the barriers of the past, understand the value of their life, lead them into self realization, live abundant lives give hope to the hopeless, help gain social acceptance and help them find eternal life,” Imsong added.
