Students and other participants hold a candlelight vigil during the programme of the World AIDS Day in Mon on December 1.
Mon, December 1 (MExN): Mon district observed World AIDS Day 2025 at Wangkhao Government College (WGC) on Monday with collaboration from Red Ribbon Club WGC, Shansham Organisation, Evergreen Welfare Society, Mon Users’ Network (MUN), and supported by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).
Delivering a keynote message, DISHA District Programme Officer Longyim Tzudir emphasised the importance of raising awareness, combating stigma, and showing solidarity with people living with HIV. Tzudir reported that more than 400 HIV-positive clients are registered in Mon district, out of which 292 are alive and currently receiving ART treatment as of October 2025. He highlighted that many individuals on regular ART are now living healthy and productive lives. He acknowledged the dedicated efforts of medical personnel while urging the churches, civil society, students, and youth groups to continue advocating against stigma and discrimination. Tzudir further encouraged young people to act as ambassadors for HIV awareness, stressing the importance of early testing and regular screening.
Guest speaker Dr Supongmenla Walling, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mon, delivered an address contextualising the global HIV situation. Walling stated that an estimated 40.8 million people worldwide are currently living with HIV, with over 1.3 million new infections in 2024. She expressed concern over significant treatment gaps among high-risk populations, including people who inject drugs, sex workers, Trans persons, and displaced communities.
Dr Walling explained that the theme for World AIDS Day 2025“Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response” underscores the need for resilience and adaptation. She noted that despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global instability, HIV response systems have evolved through innovations such as telemedicine, multi-month prescriptions, digital platforms, HIV self-testing kits, and newer long-acting preventive medicines like Lenacapavir.
She reminded the audience that the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 remains achievable if communities act with urgency, unity, and steadfast commitment. The CMO encouraged young people to lead by example, seek timely testing, and make informed choices for their health and wellbeing.
The programme was chaired by Netsulu Dawhuo, Nodal Officer RRC-WGC, while the invocation was offered by T Ahat, Associate Pastor KBCM Papong Fellowship, followed by special presentations from EU WGC Mon and Aman N Konyak.Brief remarks were also delivered by Dr Tialila, Principal WGC; W Wangnyem, President of Mon District Students’ Union (MTSU); and Awok, President of Mon Users' Network, while the vote of thanks was offered by Dr Ngopelo Keviechu, District Tuberculosis Officer and DACO Mon.
The programme concluded with a candlelight vigil led by CMO held in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to AIDS and in solidarity with those living with HIV.
