Minister P Paiwang Konyak flags off the IEC Campaign on HIV and STIs at Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima on August 12. (DIPR Photo)
State continues to face challenge: Minister
Chümoukedima, August 12 (MExN): Nagaland has recorded a 39.97 percent reduction in new HIV infections and an 80.21 percent decline in AIDS-related deaths since 2010, even as the State continues to face a significant HIV challenge, Health & Family Welfare Minister P Paiwang Konyak said on Wednesday.
Launching the third round of the Intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) at Agri Expo in Chümoukedima, Konyak said the progress demonstrated that prevention, early diagnosis and uninterrupted treatment could make a significant difference.
“Since 2010, Nagaland has recorded a 39.97 percent reduction in new HIV infections and an 80.21 percent decline in AIDS-related deaths,” he said adding “the progress demonstrated that prevention, early diagnosis and uninterrupted treatment could make a significant difference.”
However, referring to the NACO HIV Estimation 2025, he noted that HIV prevalence varied across districts and required locally appropriate responses.
According to a DIPR report, the campaign, organised by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) under the aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), is designed to strengthen awareness on HIV and STIs, encourage prevention and early testing, address stigma and discrimination, and improve access to health services across the State.
Konyak acknowledged the support of the Government of India and NACO, and said the Mobilization for AIDS Suraksha (MAS) approach provided a framework for district-led, evidence-based and result-oriented interventions.
The first two rounds of the campaign had reached more than 1,300 village meetings, over 1,000 schools and 200 colleges, besides more than 7,600 door-to-door awareness drives and direct engagement with over two lakh citizens, he said.
The Minister stressed that the success of the third round should not be measured only by the number of activities conducted but by the lives reached, people coming forward for testing and treatment, and the reduction of stigma and discrimination.
He called for greater focus on the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B, stating that every pregnant woman should have access to testing and timely intervention.
Urging young people to seek accurate information, know their HIV status and make informed choices, Konyak appealed to district administrations, healthcare workers, community leaders, churches, educational institutions, civil society organisations and representatives of vulnerable communities to take ownership of the campaign.
The Minister said the Government of Nagaland remained committed to strengthening HIV prevention, treatment and care, but added that the response could not be addressed by the Government alone.
Delivering the keynote address, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, S Tainiu, NCS said the third round of the campaign was aimed at taking the response closer to communities through evidence-based action and would focus on increasing awareness, promoting safer practices, reducing stigma, encouraging testing and reaching youth and vulnerable populations.
She stressed the importance of taking services to far-flung and remote areas where difficult terrain and limited connectivity often made access to healthcare more challenging, and called for greater coordination among government departments, health workers, communities and educational institutions.
Earlier, Dr S Manyau Phom, Project Director, NSACS, delivered the welcome address.
Following the programme, the Minister flagged off the Intensified IEC Campaign 2026 Bike Rally, with 25 bikers carrying messages of HIV and STI awareness. Five new “Health on Bike” outreach motorbikes were also flagged off to strengthen HIV-related services in Niuland, Tseminyu, Tuensang, Longchem in Mokokchung and Tobu in Mon districts.
Short speeches were also delivered by Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr Mereninla Senlem, and Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, NCS.
The programme was attended by senior Government and health officials, district administration, District Health Programme Officers, NGOs, teachers, students and community leaders.
