DIMAPUR, JULY 24 (MExN): Concerned over the rapid increase in the number of HIV/AIDS infection, a ‘Pastoral workshop on prevention and control of HIV/AIDS’ organized by the Dimapur District AIDS Control Committee (DDACC) was held at Highway 39 conference hall, Dimapur today. 1.65% of the total population of 20 lakhs people in Nagaland is believed to be infected with HIV/AIDS and is one of the fastest and 2nd highest HIV/AIDS prevalence state in India.
Addressing the gathering comprising of church leaders, Pastors, medical officers, NGOs, The chief guest of the workshop Nzimongo Ngullie, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur & Chairman DDACC said, “AIDS is going to eat up the future of the society” so he added that the pastors and the church would be the best forum to work on the prevention and controlling of AIDS/HIV. While pointing out that AIDS/HIV has no jurisdiction and no particular persons to attack, he said, “Pastors and Reverends have a very big role to play.” There are more than 3106 people working in illegal flesh trade from Dimapur to Chumukedima informed the DC and further revealed that there are more than 1780 HIV infected people in Dimapur alone. He also urged the gathering to re-think again on the proposal of declaring ‘Red Alert Area’ and give suggestions which he said was earlier opposed by the church leaders.
The guest of honor Dr.T.Kikon, Civil Surgeon Dimapur also stressed on the need to co-ordinate among the church, health departments, NGOs and other agencies and to give a joint effort in the fight against the invisible killer. He said, “if church fight against this invisible but killer enemy; we will win.” While urging the gathering not to shy away from HIV/AIDS patients he said, “We should fight together spiritually and scientifically.”
Earlier, Dr.E.Mhabemo Ovung while giving the outline programme said, “the need of the hour now is awareness to behavioral change.” He also questioned the church “if the church is failing?” The programme was chaired by Dr.Limaakum Jamir. A documentary titled, ‘Candles of Tuensang’ was also shown.
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