Pfutsero, August 3 (MExN): The citizens of the coldest town in Nagaland today warmly extended solidarity for the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs), as more than 1500 came out in support of the campaign to promote access to care, support and treatment, including the critical Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).
Members of the civil society, women leaders, school and college youth, parents, church leaders, business community and NGOs turned up in high numbers as they marched with banners and placards signaling yet another step closer to realizing the vision of creating a supportive environment for PLHAs and the vulnerable community.
Dr. Ritu, District Tuberculosis Officer of Phek, addressing the gathering said, “Listen, learn and let us live with positive attitude, let us transmit love and care to the PLHAs. HIV virus is now among us, we have to accept the reality as it is within our families. Now we cannot deny the fact that it has a home in Nagaland so also in Phek”.
“Let us not stigmatize and discriminate the PLHA, they have a right to live too. Proper treatment through ART will prolong their life and improve the quality of life and they can lead a normal life like all of us,” he added.
Aluo (name changed), Member PNP+, sharing on the topic ‘life as a positive person’ applauded the community for the support and concern they have shown toward PLHA. She said, “I was greatly inspired by the positive community which guided me to access all the care and support facilities including ART. Without that support I would not be standing here today.” She urged the community in the district to continue to help and support PLHA. “Positive people must come forward and access all the available services provided by government and other care giver in the district,’’ she added.
Nuvosalalu, president, Chakesang Mothers Association, while speaking on the ‘role of the community’ said: “There is a change in the mindset of both infected and affected persons. We have a responsibility in the society, and we should know how to take care of one another.” She also added that “we as mothers, we love you, we care for you and we will be always with you to look after you.”
The month long “Promoting Access” campaign was launched statewide on July 26 at Dimapur to promote access to care, support and treatment services. Six District Level Networks (DLNs) are implementing this nationwide programme which is being carried out in 102 high-prevalent districts in the 6 states.
Phek, Kohima, Dimapur, Zunheboto, Kiphire and Tuensang have DLNs while efforts are being made to form community-based networks of PLHA in the other districts. The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness among PLHAs on the services that are made available by the Government and service providers. It would also strengthen the partnership of key decision makers in society, government agencies, other stakeholders and the District Level Networks such as PNP+.
The Government of India had announced free ART in 2004 for PLHAs in six high prevalence states, including Nagaland. However, the number of those registered for this crucial medication is low in Nagaland due to various factors. The awareness and knowledge about the advantages of ART is also low. The spread of awareness is also hindered by a lack of supportive environment for PLHAs to access treatment and its services.
The awareness campaign touches upon on treatment options, re-infections, positive prevention and reproductive health care issues. In the rural areas people living with HIV are unable to access treatment due to lack of awareness, knowledge, self-stigma, financial constraints in accessing ART and its services.
As a commitment of support to the PLHA, PNP+ received donation from various NGOs, Chakhesang Mother Association, church leaders, public leaders and from many individuals.
