Minister for Planning and Coordination, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Evaluation and Parliamentary Affairs, TR Zeliang, Thursday called upon the People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) to come out in open and avail the facility available in health centers, while cautioning that remaining silent and hidden will only aggravate the worsen the situation in the state.
Addressing the gathering at the inaugural function of Network of Peren District People Living with HIV/AIDS at Jalukie town today, the Minister said that being HIV positive does not mean that the world has come to an end.
“I have seen so many positive changes taking place in a person lives after he/she is found to be HIV positive”, TR Zeliang said, while stating that treatment available in health centers today has helped many positive people to lead a normal life.
The Minister admitted that there exist a tremendous stigma and discrimination attached to HIV positive people. “However, I must remind you that being HIV positive does not stop one from being sons, daughters, sisters or brothers. We should not let fear, ignorance, and lack of communication lead to stigma and discrimination for the people living with HIV”, Minister told PLHAs.
HIV/AIDS is not just a physical illness and we cannot expect only the medical department to address the problem. It is a social and economical problem too. Therefore, each one of us must contribute in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Minister said, adding that unless people join hands and contribute their bit to contain the epidemic Nagaland’s future look bleak as the virus attacks the best of our people, the most productive age group.
Zeliang also said that elected members of the Legislative assembly have formed the Nagaland Legislators Forum on AIDS, which he said is committed to speak about HIV/AIDS in every platform they get, to show their solidarity and to contribute financially.
Besides, the much needed state policy is in final stage and it is with the law department for scrutiny, the Minister reminded the gathering.
“I strongly believe that with the opening of NPDP+ office in Jalukie, PLHAs here will surely give their best in out fight against HIV, so that further infection is reverse and the spread of the epidemic is prevented”, Zeliang asserted.
Minister rued that there has been less number of people who has gone for testing from Peren district. Till date only 1447 people were tested from Peren district and out of which 32 has been reported to be positive, Minister said.
“When testing facility is available at our door step, why are our people not going for test? Is it because we are not bothered or is it out of ignorance”, Minister asked while reminding the people that ignorance and carelessness will kill them slowly.
Representatives of various like Kripa, Kekhrie Foundation, FITA, TFA, and NSACS etc., also attended the inaugural session of the NPDP+.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026