Dimapur, December 1 (MExN): Nagaland state joined the worldwide commemoration of World AIDS Day 2021 under the theme ‘End Inequality, End Aids, End Pandemic’ on December 1.
Noklak: World AIDS Day was observed at DC’s Conference Hall, Noklak. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Noklak, Hiazu Meru stated that Noklak has high cases of HIV and AIDS and to this, he requested all the stakeholders to create awareness at all levels.
According to a DIPR report, informing the gathering, the DC mentioned that as per the report, most HIV cases are spread through sexual transmission, followed by drug users in the district and therefore, he called upon all the stakeholders, civil organizations and religious leaders to continuously support, and sought help to spread awareness in order to prevent and control HIV transmission in the district and to end the pandemic.
Senior Medical Officer, District Hospital Noklak, Dr Victor NC highlighted on the overall scenario of HIV status in the district and the functioning of the ART Center, Noklak. He called upon all the citizens to know the HIV status by getting themselves tested, stating that fear and unwillingness to get tested are some of the factors which leads to spreading of the disease.
The programme was organised by District Hospital, Noklak in collaboration with TI under KBCA, Noklak and District Administration, sponsored by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society.
Kiphire: Kiphire district conducted World AIDS Day at Conference hall, District Hospital Kiphire. The programme started with one minute of silence for those who have lost their lives to AIDS.
Delivering on the significance of the day, Tsiatsuvi, DPO- DAPCU said among all the awareness, HIV and AIDS related awareness is one of the longest running awareness programs in the world. She urged all the apex leaders to encourage and support those people living with HIV and AIDS to disseminate information on availability of medical services provided by the H&FW department.
Rev Fr Dr Joe Mariadhas urged people to come forward and collectively fight against it to live a healthy life. He advocated sex education to be taught in the schools so that the young people can be safe.
Special presentation was given by RRC, Loyola Hr Sec School and Khupai DLN gave a short speech about her life testimony.
Longleng: Medical department in collaboration NYSK Longleng observed World AIDS day at Longleng Town Ao Baptist Church. Guest speaker, Dr Kibangkumba, Medical Superintendent, DH Longleng, said one should no discrimination to end HIV and AIDS, its depends on us by decimating awareness in the community. “Stigmatization is the main problem; people don't come forward for testing because of inequality, and discrimination,” he said.
Dr Obangjungla, CMO Longleng spoke on the significance of the day. A Mane Phom, Retainer Lawyer District Legal Service Authority Longleng shared about the legal aids to PLHIV. Shamthai, President, ENWO and Mongnyei C Phom, NYV Longleng spoke at the programme. It was attended by district Administration, NGOs and Students.
Phek: World AIDS Day was observed at WetsheloT Mero Memorial Hall, District Hospital Phek with Zhoi Lohe SDO (C) Phek as special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Lohe shared that target has been made to end HIV epidemics by 2030 therefore collective effort of every individual and organization is needed to address barriers and issues and take forward plan and policies to address the impact of HIV infection. While dwelling the gravity of HIV infection amongst the productive age group he also encourages the implementing department to create awareness to the schools, college and colonies that will mitigate the impact of HIV infection.
He also asked the participants not to discriminate the people living with HIV and AIDS rather they should encouraged them to be a part of the social system. He also shares that knowing ones status is important for early prevention, detection and management.
Mese Letro, President DLN, Phek gave a brief testimonial sharing and calls upon the participants to give care and support services to the PLHIV communities rather than stigmatizing them that will only invites negative impact to the society. He also said a prayer in remembrance to those who are infected and affected by HIV and AIDS and those who had died of AIDS.
Hierhotho Kajiri, DIS presented the HIV scenario in the district and called upon the gathering to disseminate the information to the grass root population and avail the services available in the health facilities.
Dr Khriezotuo Paphino CMO, Phek exhort the gathering and encourages the program implementers to put more effort in combating HIV and AIDS. He also conveys a solidarity message to those who have died of AIDS. Red Ribbon Club, Phek Government College pined Red Ribbons and distributed IEC materials. Altogether 92 people including the officials and staffs from government department, NGOs, college, student and youth leaders attended the programme.
Zunheboto: World AIDS Day was observed at Nito Mount Theological College, Zunheboto organized by District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit with Dr Akaho Awomi, Deputy CMO, Zunheboto as the guest of honour.
The Guest of Honour delivered a short speech in which he highlighted about the objectives of AIDS to create public awareness. He stated that we should express our solidarity to those people living with HIV & AIDS and remember those who lost their lives from HIV related disease.
He further stated that HIV & AIDS is manageable and preventable disease and that we should avoid stigma and discrimination but rather create equal opportunity and treatment to be extended to those living with the disease. He concluded his speech by stating about the mode of transmission and source of infection, the preventive measures, misconception and myth of HIV and AIDS.
Significant of the day was highlighted by Jubit DIS.
A minute of silence was observed for the people living with HIV and AIDS across the world.
The programme was attended by Dr. Hokugha DVBO, DAPCU Staffs, Executive Secretary (SBAK Nito Mount), NZP, Nito Mount Mission Centre staffs and students, teaching and non teaching staff NPC.
Kohima: World AIDS Day was observed in Kohima at the LCS building. The program was organised by the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit along with KNP+ and Targeted Intervention NGOs with Rev Vezopra Rhakho as special guest. Addressing at the function, the special guest emphasised on the need for churches to come together and step forward and help fight the HIV epidemic.
Earlier, the significance of the day was delivered by Vituozolie Kuotsu, District ICTC supervisor, DAPCU, and closing remark was pronounced by Sentimongla Tzudir, District Program Officer, DAPCU.
Mon: Mon District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit in collaboration with key partners supported by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society observed the World AIDS Day at conference hall, District Hospital, Mon.
Speaking on the theme, Dr C Longe Peter, MD, DH said that the inequality is not only concerning the infected ones but it is also about reaching the unreached. He said that there should be an easy access to prevent, diagnose and treat every citizen in need. And to end the pandemic, to end the inequality, and to end AIDS is in the hands of you and I, ‘the society', said Dr Peter. He also said that one of the main concern and drawback of HIV and AIDS in our community is being ashamed to talk about it.
The programme was chaired by Tenosenuo Angami, Asst Prof & Nodal Officer, Red Ribbon Club Wangkhao Government College.
While giving the welcoming note, Dr Kechongol Sophie, CMO Mon requested all the participants to play each one’s role in whichever capacity one can to end the pandemic. Aims, Objectives and significance of the Red Ribbon Club (RRC) was given by student of Wangkhao College, PSashei, special number by Shelao Kheang K, short speeches by Honpho K President, MTSU and Sashi Yin, Advisor, Nagaland User's Network and the vote of thanks was delivered by Longyim Tzudir, DPO DAPCU.
UCTE: Unity College of Teacher Education (UCTE), Dimapur observed WORLD AIDS DAY in the College Campus on November 30 with a special focus on reaching people left behind, and highlighting the growing inequalities in access to essential HIV services.
The program started with key note address by the Principal Dr Devanand Sinha by stressing the history, main difference between HIV and AIDS, and Students’ role towards Prevention of HIV and AIDS and Care for the Vulnerable People.
Durai Murugan, Assistant Professor interacted by asking some questions related to the World AIDS Day Theme with all 1st Semester B. Ed Student Teachers (2021-2023 Batch). A Spot Poster Making Competition was held for all Student Teachers.
St Joseph University: Department of Economics, St Joseph University, Dimapur observed the World AIDS Day through a webinar with Dr Susana Kikon, Medical Advisor I-tech India as the resource person on the topic ‘The present scenario of HIV and AIDS among Youths in Nagaland.’
The resource person highlighted the history of the emergence of AIDS to the present scenario of AIDS in the world. When it comes to India, North Eastern states such as Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur constitute the highest case of HIV and AIDS. She advised the young youths to go for the test of HIV and AIDS at least once in our life time. It is not curable but it can be prevented and when proper medication prescribe by the doctors are taken, it save lives, prolong lives and give better health conditions. She highlighted that Dimapur in Nagaland has the highest number of HIV and AIDS by proving with facts and figures.
