Minister P Paiwang Konyak and others take pledge during the launching programme of Intensified IEC Campaign 2.0 in Kohima on August 12. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 12
Nagaland Health & Family Welfare Minister, P Paiwang Konyak today formally launched two months Intensified IEC Campaign 2.0 in Nagaland on HIV & STIs preventions and control.
With this formal launching from Kohima, the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) under the aegis of National AIDS Control Society (NACO) will carry out a series of awareness activities throughout 17 districts till October 12.
“Over the next two months, we will reach out to communities in every corner: urban and rural, young and old- taking with us not just information, but inspiration,” said Minister Paiwang while addressing the launching programme held at NBCC Convention Centre in the presence of over 3000 students from 66 educational institutions in and around Kohima on August 12.
“Information is not just data; it is empowerment, Education is not just learning; it is transformation and Communication is not just words: it is connection,” the Minister said.
“We know that information alone is not enough; it must be communicated in ways that connect with people’s lives, beliefs and aspirations,” he said.
Stating that the campaigns alone do not create change, he said, “People do. You do, the health workers on the ground, the community leaders, the media voices, the young advocates, each conversation you have, each poster you put up, each story you tell has the power to change lives.”
Stressing on the need to work with passion, Paiwang said “Let us speak with clarity. Let us act with urgency.” If every one of us takes responsibility, this campaign will not just be an event but it will be a movement, he said. “Together, let us make sure that in Nagaland, knowledge travels faster than disease, hope travels farther than fear and action speaks louder than ignorance,” the Minister added.
‘Let us stand together against stigma’
Nagaland Commissioner & Secretary For Health & Family Welfare, Anoop Khinchi said that over the years, Government of Nagaland through Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, has worked tirelessly to spread awareness, provide testing and treatment services and fight stigma.
He announced that the state government remains committed to ensuring that every person in Nagaland has access to accurate information, quality health services and a supportive environment where they can make informed choices.
“Our approach will be multi- pronged. We will strengthen IEC activities through traditional outreach, creative youth-led initiatives, vibrant social media campaigns and school and college programmes,” Khinchi said.
He also stated that the government will empower the youth people to take the lead through interactive events, sports, music, quiz, digital storytelling and per education.
“Let us move from awareness to action. Let us seek testing and treatment without fear. Let us reject myths and misinformation. Let us stand together against stigma wherever we find it,” Khinchi said.
Earlier, NSACS Project Director Dr Ahu Sekhose delivered welcome address while Lujeka Assumi, Associate Pastor, SBCK invoked God’s blessings.
The launching programme was marked by Red Ribbon welcome dance by Ace Crew, “This is our time: Young voices for a healthier future” by Mezhiituo-ii Thira, RRC Kohima College, play and win games /activities by NSACS, The Birds and the Bees talk, Plan India, School Education Department, SDG- Department of Planning & Transformation, Nagaland.
Other activities included; launching of campaign theme song 'HIV Li' by Tetseo Sisters, Meet and greet the Influencers: Moko Koza, Akavi, Tetseo Sisters, Hikali Achumi, Rovi Metha, HIV Counselling and testing facility, chat with PLHIV and Drug Users community by NNagaDao and Nagaland Network of People Living with HIV (NNP+), Mural painting, Selfie points etc.
Meanwhile, 520 villages have been identified across Nagaland for grass root level campaign activities this year.
The key activities for Intensified IEC campaign will includes; village level meetings, school awareness programmes, college level awareness, special HIV & STI testing and counselling camps at government hospitals, awareness bike rallies, folk performances and Flash mobs by Red Ribbon Club members and IEC material dissemination through Door-to-Door activities.
