KOHIMA, Oct 3 (MExN): People Living with HIV and AIDS in the state appended their signature to a collective declaration recognizing the essentiality of a greater involvement, empowerment and enabling of people living with HIV, asserting they are central to respond to HIV.
On the concluding day of the two-day workshop on “challenges and opportunities of greater involvement and empowerment of people living with AIDS”, which was organized by Kohima-based NGO, the Kuknalim Foundation and NNP+ at Tourist Lodge Kohima from September 27-28, representatives from HIV positive people and NGOs, in a one-page declaration, affirmed that PLWAs not only give a human face to the epidemic but also an untapped resource in responding to the epidemic.
“People living with HIV and AIDS and NGOs supporting the movement of PLWA in Nagaland recognize that greater involvement of People Living with HIV and AIDS is the vehicle through which we can attain the goals of prevention, care and community support in HIV and AIDS”, said the declaration signed by about 50 PLHWAs representing all districts of the state.
Perhaps, this declaration could be a landmark in the HIV/AIDS history of Nagaland, as positive people in the state are coming out in the open for the first time to declared their rights and responsibilities.
“We PLWA and supporters believe that we need to break down the barriers that reduce PLWA involvement by taking up responsibilities. We commit ourselves to stand out as leaders and front line workers in bringing the change that will minimize the transmission as well as the impact of HIV on our lives. We extend our solidarity to one and all and will work towards the fructification of the GIPA declaration. By being torch bearers we will not fear to show the path, to one and all, towards realization of Greater Involvement of PLWA however difficult it may be and what ever it takes”.
“We extend our solidarity and commit ourselves to the principles of GIPA declaration” it affirmed.
