DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 6 (MExN): Network of Nagaland Drugs and AIDS Organisation (NNagaDAO) on Saturday pulled up the Nagaland State government for its lack of political action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and related diseases.
It expressed anguish over the stark indifference - in not releasing funds meant for HIV/AIDS program for several months which, according to the organization, was lying in the State treasury.
A press statement from NNagaDAO president, Abou Mere has voiced fear that the apathy of the State government will seriously hamper the HIV/AIDS program. This may lead to many new infections and create more grave challenges with more health and financial burden in the near future, Mere said.
It pointed out that National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) grant to Nagaland AIDS Control Society (NSACS) was routed through the State exchequer to ensure more transparency, accountability and effective implementation of HIV/AIDS program in the State.
In spite of this, NNagaDAO expressed wonder why “the life saving HIV money is being kept for several months by the State government and in the process denying and weakening HIV intervention and other health programs and putting our people life at risks”
Harm reduction commodities (HIV prevention commodities) are getting exhausted in NGOs Drop-In Centres, Mere pointed out. It therefore demanded that the State government immediately release the “fund lying in the State treasury for controlling new HIV transmission and HIV related death.”
NNagaDAO has also expressed unhappiness over the tepid approach of the State AIDS Council which is notably the highest body on HIV/AIDS in the state and headed under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
It alleged that the DAN III government did not conduct any meeting to take political decision and action to end the communicable diseases (HIV and Hepatitis B and C).
“The hopes for ending the communicable diseases depend in large measure of political leadership and action, uninterrupted resources for prevention and treatment program to all who need it,” Mere said.
To this, NNagaDAO has called upon the State AIDS Council chairman/Chief Minister to convene the State AIDS Council meeting at the earliest possible so as to ensure achieving desirable epidemic control and treatment for the State.
