Sensitisation programme at Kezo Town

Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) Targeted Intervention (TI) Jakhama, in collaboration with Ayush Health Wellness Centre Kezo town, LWS Kripa Foundation, and DAPCU Kohima organised an advocacy and sensitisation programme on “HIV/AIDS and drug related issues” with stakeholders and HRG’s at Panchayat Hall, Kezo Town, on Saturday.
In his opening remarks, program manager, NUN TI Jakhama, Vikukhoto Rolnu said Nagaland Users’ Network was the first state level drug users’ network in the country.
He also shared about drug related issues and how young people often start to take drugs just to try it, to get relief from stress, to calm their anger, or out of peer pressure and gradually end up getting addicted to it. He pointed out that drug addiction caused mental and physical weakness, and how it could also attract other diseases.
He emphasised on roles and responsibilities of stakeholders and church leaders to extend their cooperation and support towards the management and treatment of people who are suffering from drug addiction. “Threats, punishment and social discrimination are not the solution for drug addiction” Rolnu added.
In a short speech, district resource person from LWS Kripa Foundation, Rokuoneinuo spoke on Hepatitis, its different types, and causes. She then spoke on how there were vaccines for Hep. ‘B’ but there was no treatment while on the other hand, Hep. ‘C’ could be treated but there was no vaccination for it.
Meanwhile, sharing on wellness aspect, Ayush Health and Wellness Centre Kezo Town, MO, Dr. Adunu Richa presented on ‘HIV/AIDS and its awareness’. She expressed concern over the increasing rate of HIV infections in the state stressing that it was “equal responsibility for all concerned citizens”. Dr. Richa also stressed on importance of HIV testing and called upon the audience not to stigmatise the PLHIV but to extend full support to address the problem.
The programme was held simultaneously with free medical check-up, test for RBS, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis ‘B’ and ‘C’, CBS screening and malaria testing conducted by Dr. Adunu Richa, mobile medical unit, NRHM, MO, Dr. Zubenthung, Kezocha CHC, MO, Dr. Vekholu, mobile ICTC Kohima, Malaria department Kohima, NUN TI Jakhama, and NCD screening (India Hypertension Control Initiative).
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kezo Town secretary, Kikhwel Kiso, invocation was pronounced by Kezo Town Baptist Church, senior pastor, Khwenil Chürah, welcome address was delivered by Kezo town VHC chairman, Medozeyo Yhobu, and vote of thanks on behalf of the organisers was proposed by NUN TI PE, Sabu Tepa.