Along with the rest of the world, various districts in Nagaland, institutions and other organisations observed “World AIDS Day” on December 1 from their respective places under the common global theme, ‘’Let Communities Lead’’.
Dimapur: Under the banner campaign of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Nagaland, on “Say No to Drugs” campaign, aligned with “World AIDS Day”, unfolded at Super Market, Dimapur on Friday. The event aimed at addressing the pressing issues of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS awareness in the community which commenced with the flagging off of a “Cycle Rally” by Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Tinojongshi Chang, symbolizing a collective effort to pedal towards a drug-free and healthier society.
Sr. Medical Officer, ART Centre, Dr. Hotoka Hesso, delivering a comprehensive speech shed light on HIV/AIDS. Dr. Hesso stressed the urgency of eradicating the pandemic by 2030 under UN policy while emphasizing India’s commitment to control and eliminate it by 2025. Explaining the difference between HIV and AIDS, he urged individuals engaged in high-risk behaviours to undergo regular testing, highlighting the availability of free testing kits in major healthcare units.
Addressing the alarming transmission rates, particularly from pregnant women to children, Dr. Hesso underscored the importance of ante-natal surveillance. He advocated for responsible behaviour, outlining the Formula ABC (Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condom) as a preventive measure. The Sr. Medical Officer urged the community not to stigmatize those affected and called for collective efforts to tackle the challenges posed by the virus.
DC Dimapur expressed gratitude for the campaign, addressing the rising issue of drug abuse among the youth and called on the community to actively spread the message of saying no to drugs and to embrace people living with HIV/AIDS, terming it a “pure form of disease”.
Also partaking in the event was Miss Northeast 2023, Kenei Ritse who emphasized on the need for the drug campaign and committed to contributing to a better society through her personal and professional conduct.
NGOs, including members from Shalom Rehab, Prodigal’s Home, Gracious Life Foundation, and Bethesda Youth Welfare, delivered short speeches, emphasizing their commitment to curbing drug usage and supporting individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
Earlier, welcome address was extended by State president BJYM, Hinoka Chophi, while State general secretary BJYM, Nokzenketba Jamir rounded off the event, highlighting the unified front against drugs and the collective responsibility toward a healthier community.
The “Say No to Drugs” campaign, with its multi-faceted approach, resonated as a collective call to action, embodying the spirit of a community determined to overcome the challenges posed by drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. (Staff Reporter)
Kohima: In observance of “World AIDS Day”, a candlelight vigil was organised at High School Kohima on Friday evening, organized by the Kohima Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (KNP+) and the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) Kohima.
KNP+ vice president Sangkai in her short speech mentioned that it is a day where people around the world unite to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. She highlighted that each “World AIDS Day” focuses on a specific theme.
She said this World AIDS is more than a celebration of the achievements of communities; it is a call for action to enable and support communities in their leadership roles. She said that this day will highlight to unleash the full potential of community leadership to enable the end of AIDS.
She also pointed out that communities’ leadership roles need to be made core in all HIV plans and programmes and in their formulation, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. She added that communities’ leadership roles need to be fully and reliably funded to enable the required scale up, and be properly supported and remunerated. “Not ending AIDS is more expensive than ending it, “she said.
Sangkai added that barriers to communities’ leadership roles need to be removed and an enabling regulatory environment is needed which facilitates communities’ role in provision of HIV services, ensures civil society space, and protects the human rights of all, including of marginalised communities, to advance the global HIV response. “Remove laws that harm, create laws that empower”, she added.
She also highlighted that “World AIDs Day” remains as relevant today as it’s always been, reminding people and governments that HIV has not gone away and there was still a critical need for increased funding for the AIDS response, to increase awareness of the impact of HIV on people’s lives, to end stigma and discrimination and to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV.
The programme was chaired by KNP+ join secretary, Mushem, Aseno Metha presented a special performance and associate pastor Kohima Ao Baptist Church, Bendangsashi Walling pronounced the closing prayer. (Correspondent)
Tuensang: Tuensang district observed “World AIDS Day” with guest speaker Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Tuensang, Toking Yimkhiung, at CKS Hall Tuensang.
Addressing the gathering, Yimkhiung maintained that people should not keep HIV/AIDs as secret, instead said “we should talk in the family about that disease and reach out awareness in each and every corner”. He urged to remove stigma and not to keep the people living with HIV/AIDs socially isolated and called upon everyone to take pledge and create awareness to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Significant of the day was highlighted by programme assistant DAPCU, Moa Amri, a special prayer for PLHIVs was pronounced by chaplin DH Tuensang, Kamchila, special number was presented by IDS Staffs Tuensang and positive voice was given by Achila where she shared her life testimony and encouraged the people those who are living with positive HIV to not hide instead share it with their family so that the family would support them.
The programme was chaired by programme manager OVC project; invocation by WP SBCTT, Avini Achumi; keynote address by DACO Dr. Imlinaro; vote of thanks was delivered by PC VIHAAN, Setongpi and programme concluded with candle light vigil in remembrance of people died with HIV/AIDs. The programme was attended by EAC, DTO/DACO, DAPCU staffs, DMO, IDS staffs, church leaders, Red Ribbon Club, NTDP members and others.
NEISSR: The Red Ribbon Club at the Northeast Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) orchestrated an impactful programme, featuring painting competition, in observance of “World AIDS Day” at NEISSR Hall, 7th Mile, Chumoukedima.
President of RRC, Limeka P Wotsa, delivered insightful remarks in commemoration of “World AIDS Day”, stressing the theme. Recognizing the pivotal role of community involvement, she stressed the importance of communities taking the lead in awareness, education, and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. “Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing new infections and improving the lives of individuals living with HIV/AIDS,” stated Wotsa.
Highlighting the significance of community empowerment, Wotsa emphasized that communities possess firsthand knowledge of the unique needs and concerns of their members. By empowering communities to take charge, a more inclusive and effective response to HIV/AIDS can be fostered.
The programme was moderated by general secretary of RRC NEISSR Orenponi Kikon, the programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Vice-President of RRC NEISSR Kevingol Toso. The event not only marked a moment of reflection and remembrance but also served as a catalyst for ongoing community-driven initiatives in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Wokha: District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU) Wokha with Wokha network of positive people, Nagaland Users’ Network Target Intervention Wokha, Nagaland Users Network Link Workers Scheme Wokha, Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre Bhandari TI, Zion Welfare Society Baghty Target intervention and PATH INDIA observed “World AIDS Day” at Town Hall Baghty Town, Wokha.
The theme speaker, EAC Bhandari, Wetso Lasushe, highlighted the diverse composition of the community, encompassing individuals such as those living with HIV, substance abusers, and service providers. Emphasizing on the theme, he underscored the importance of community involvement, as they possess a profound understanding of vulnerable populations and serve as vital connectors. Lasushe emphasized that event like this spotlight the potential for global progress in ending AIDS when communities take the lead.
He elaborated on the pivotal role of organizations representing communities affected by HIV, positioning them as the forefront in advancing the HIV response. He stated that these groups facilitate person-centered public health services, foster trust, drive innovation, and monitor policy implementation. He also urged that the “World AIDS Day” goes beyond celebrating community achievements and was also a rallying call to empower and support communities in their leadership, unlocking their full potential to bring an end to HIV/AIDS.
The event was chaired by field mentor PATH INDIA David K Lotha, Nchumbemo invoked God’s blessings at the programme, welcome address was delivered by Hunali Neog. A special presentation was made by Wobenthung Tsopoe and Hunali Neog and short speeches were also delivered by Baghty Town Council, Eloe Hoho Baghty Town and Student Union Baghty Town. Vote of thanks was delivered by Mhathung Khenchung and benediction was pronounced by Micheal Yanthan. (Correspondent)
YMS Tamlu: Yingli Mission Society (YMS) Tamlu (Longleng) organized the observation of “World AIDS Day”. A press release from YMS Tamlu Longleng program manager Koni Phom stated that significance of the day was delivered by CHC Tamlu medical officer Dr. Chai-e, and short speech was delivered by CHC Tamlu ICTC counsellor A. Metyong.
Around 60 participants including OST clients, YMS and CHC/OST Tamlu attended the programme.
Phek: District Aids Program Control Unit (DAPCU) Phek observed “World AIDS Day” at Dr. Wethselo T. Mero Memorial Hall, District Hospital Phek with ADC Phek, Ruopfukuotuo Noudi as the special guest.
A press release from, CMO office Phek, stated that the programme was jointly organised by DAPCU, ELF, LSP & Vihaan which was sponsored by Nagaland State Aids Control Society.
Special guest Ruopfukuotuo, in his speech talked on the stigma discrimination as the major problem prevailing in the society remain a significant challenge. To fight against this problem, he said that the church bodies, civil societies, NGOs, etc should come together and play a major role to ensure the success of HIV response.
He added that in order to achieve their goals, they should strictly adhere to medical practitioner’s advice, spread awareness, conduct publicity campaign, etc.
Senior Medical Officer DH Phek, Dr. Ngopelo Keviechu spoke on the benefits of adhering treatment and consequences of non-adherence to health care provider advices. He also highlighted the different factors for poor adherence such as misguided medication, economic factors, patient-related factors etc. The participants were also briefed on the origin of HIV/AIDS.
Associate Pastor PTBC, Khrusazo Nyekha in his exhortation said that to combat HIV/AIDS, church play a significant role by providing spiritual counselling, prayers, etc. To achieve its goal coordination between the medical department and the churches is an important factor, he added.
Significance of “World AIDS Day” was highlighted by DIS, DAPCU, Hierotho Kajiri, who also shared the district scenario and the facilities available.
Other programme highlights included special number by Lighthouse Keepers CED, while an instrumental piece was performed by Kuvethi Nienu.
NU Kohima Campus: The office of Students Welfare, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus collaborated with Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) to observe “World AIDS Day”.
CMO Cell, NU, Nyan Murry, spoke on the programme’s theme, where she emphasised the importance of creating awareness, stating that communities are the heartbeat of society and stressed that it is only through the support of the community, society can combat stigma and dispel myths that fuel discrimination. She also called upon communities to harness a collective power to show solidarity and support people who are affected by HIV/AIDS. Faculty members and the president of the Students’ Union shared their experiences and opinions on the occasion.
The event was chaired by associate dean, Students Welfare, NU (Kohima Campus), Dr. Temsulemba Walling, the opening remark was conveyed by faculty NU, Dr. Sanjai Srivastava, Virhi and Kihobo, Geology Department NU, lightened the programme with a special number, and a quiz competition was also conducted to mark the occasion. The vote of thanks was proposed by co-convenor of Nagaland University Research Scholars Forum, Kohima, Kaithin Newmai.