Our Correspondent
Kohima| October 18
Lamenting that the effectiveness of churches and other religious institutions in controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic is often being questioned and even being described as being silent and indifferent, the NBCC today asserted that the churches, religious communities and faith-based organisations are active in fighting against the pandemic even if the actions are often discrete and unaccounted. In a two-page presentation during the first session on the first day of the two-day seminar on HIV and AIDS being held at the conference hall of the PHQ here, Director of the NBCC’s NDO, Dr. Hukashe Zhimomi said it is indeed sad that the church and other organisations have often been taken as silent and indifferent to the issue of HIV/AIDS.
Highlighting some of the initiatives and activities adopted and undertaken by the church in Nagaland Dr. Zhimomi said it is crucial that various stakeholders including the government collaborate with church organisations by understanding their role in the community and their skills in leadership, influence and key services.
The churches and religious communities are and remain indispensable forces and they are aware of it, he said adding it is encouraging to note that the churches, various denominations and other religious
communities are treating HIV and AIDS as an urgent humanitarian problem and ready to stand together in order to find appropriate solutions.
“The widespread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic itself appeals for an effective coordination of efforts and resources”, he said stressing that all forces must be harnessed in order to develop viable and sustainable alternatives.
He was also of the view that a concerted effort by the government, religious organisations, NGOs, in partnership with civil societies will help to mitigate the adverse impact of HIV and AIDS on the people
of Nagaland. “In order to increase the effectiveness of interventions, state actors need to work with faith-based organisations and help them reach their full potential in responding to HIV in humanitarian settings”, he added.
