Phek district observes World AIDS Day 2019

EAC Phek, Sizin Renttah addressing the gathering during the observance of World AIDS Day on December 1 in Phek.

Phek, December 1 (MExN): Phek District Aids Program Control Unit (DAPCU) observed World AIDS Day on December 1 under the theme ‘Communities make the difference’ with Sizin Renttah, EAC Phek Sadar as the guest speaker.

The programme was organized by DAPCU, PDLSA and ELF Phek sponsored by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society.

Speaking at the programme, Renttah highlighted the participants on the importance of giving sex education and its preventive measures from transmitting HIV as majority of the patients get HIV through sex.

He also spoke on the importance of the role of community towards HIV infected persons. As a community, he urged it was “our duty to protect and respect” the rights of the infected HIV person.

“We need to support and involve them in all social activities so as to decrease the stigma, discrimination which is still prevalent in our societies.”

The EAC also challenged the participants that it is our responsibility to fight together against stigma discrimination and prevent the increase of HIV by giving awareness on how HIV is transmitted.

Cheliam Khiamniungan NJS, Judicial Magistrate 1st class and secretary, DLSA Phek speaking on the rights of HIV infected persons informed on the Act passed by the parliament on April 11, 2017 which provides prevention and control of the disease and protection of human rights of the infected HIV persons.

The Act emphasizes that there will be no discrimination against a person infected with HIV on ground of treatment, employment, work place, educational institutions, jobs etc.

Mese Letro President, Network of Phek District People Living with HIV/AIDS and FO AHANa in his short speech challenged the gathering to go for HIV blood test.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kuduvo Kezo, DPO DAPCU while invocation was done by Wavitho Nyuwi Pastor PBCPT and welcome address was given by Velato Nienu, AM and EDAPCU Phek.

Red ribbon club, Phek Government College enlightened the programme with songs. Vote of thanks was given by Thuputo, Program Manager, Eureka Life Foundation Phek.