DIMAPUR: CiTY BARN – The Health Centre, an innovative youth health initiative of the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), was formally launched in Mokokchung on June 29. The centre was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma.
CiTY BARN Mokokchung is the fifth such centre in the state, following Kohima, Dimapur, Wokha and Tuensang, with plans underway to establish another in Peren district. Located at I.M Road, Arkong Ward, near SBI Bazaar Branch, above NETTEC Computers, the centre aims to reach young people below 24 years of age by providing health information, counselling and support services in a safe and confidential environment. The initiative is supported by Care & Support Society (C&SS), which has undertaken the project under NSACS.
NSACS collaborates with Adolescent Friendly Health Centres (AFHCs) through its CiTY BARN initiative to address the increasing trend of HIV positive cases among young people in Nagaland. Speaking at the launch, DC Verma described CiTY BARN as a unique innovation of the Government of Nagaland and expressed that Mokokchung was fortunate to have such a centre. He noted that the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has taken interest in the model and is exploring its replication in other parts of the country, which he termed an achievement for the state.
Appreciating Care & Support Society for taking up the initiative in collaboration with NACO and NSACS, Verma said the organisation has long been instrumental in the health sector and possesses the necessary expertise to manage such a project. He emphasised that the centre would play an important role in preventive healthcare, noting that while the medical sector largely focuses on curative services, prevention is equally important to reduce health complications and social impact. He further stressed the importance of creating awareness among youth regarding sanitation, personal hygiene and overall health practices, noting that a healthy population is essential for achieving broader developmental goals.
Highlighting the importance of local institutions in providing counselling and guidance, Verma said that while digital platforms provide access to information, centres like CiTY BARN can offer localised support to young people dealing with personal, behavioural and health concerns. He appealed for public participation and support, stating that the success of such initiatives depends on how effectively services reach the community. He also encouraged collaboration between departments, particularly the Education Department, to connect students with the centre.
Chief Medical Officer Mokokchung, Dr. Tiasunep, congratulated Care & Support Society and acknowledged its long association with the district and cooperation with the medical department. He said the recognition of C&SS by NACO reflected its dedication and experience. Urging those involved to work with sincerity and empathy, he stated that the initiative would cater to both the general public and vulnerable groups, including those affected by HIV and AIDS. He assured support from the Medical Department towards the functioning of the centre.
Delivering the “About Us” presentation, Programme Officer Limatongzuk Jamir informed that C&SS, established in 1995 and registered in 2001, is a non profit organisation working across Nagaland to provide humanitarian support to underserved communities. He explained that CiTY BARN was conceptualised by NSACS in response to rising HIV infections among youth and is designed as a youth friendly space where young people can access accurate information, counselling and support without fear of stigma. The initiative focuses not only on HIV prevention but also on mental health, substance and tobacco use, sexual and reproductive health, life skills and overall well being.
Limatongzuk said the objective of CiTY BARN is to reach young people early, provide them with the right knowledge and empower them to make informed decisions. The centre will function from 11 am to 6 pm during summer and 10 am to 5 pm during winter. Services available include counselling, linkages to healthcare facilities such as TI, OST, ICTC, ART, STI, TB, Hepatitis, mental health and adolescent clinics, rehabilitation services, sexual and reproductive health services and tobacco/substance abuse services. Other facilities include an in house helpdesk, anonymous Q&A, screening for HIV, Syphilis, TB, Hepatitis and STI, and linkages for GBV and mental health support.
The centre will also organise thematic health sessions with resource persons covering STI and reproductive health, mental health, addiction counselling, testing and treatment, life skills and career counselling. It was further informed that Tovra Works, a career training and skill development initiative, signed an MoU with NSACS CiTY BARN on June 10 to create referral links between youth health support and career development programmes, with training and guaranteed job placements.
The launch programme was chaired by Ajungla Longchar. Burlemla Longkumer presented a song titled “Hero”. Invocation was pronounced by S. Limawapang from PM Care & Counselling Centre TI, while dedicatory prayer was offered by Shilula Imchen, Pastor (W), MTBA.
