Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 17 (NPN): The 43rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was observed at CAN Building, D. Block Colony, Kohima on Sunday under the theme “Light the Legacy. Remember. Advance. Act.”, with speakers emphasizing the need for renewed commitment in combating stigma, discrimination and the continued high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland.
The programme brought together members of the HIV-positive community, healthcare workers, NGOs, church leaders and activists to remember those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and reaffirm solidarity with people living with HIV.
Delivering a solidarity message, former project director of Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), Dr. Neiphi Kire, recalled his association with the HIV/AIDS programme in Nagaland during 2007-2010 and said returning to the gathering after 19 years brought back memories of collective efforts to address the epidemic in the state.
Paying tribute to those who succumbed to HIV/AIDS, Kire acknowledged the struggles and resilience of affected individuals and communities.
He also appreciated the work being carried out by the Network of Naga People Living with HIV/AIDS (NNP+) and ARK Foundation for the welfare of the positive community.
Highlighting the effectiveness of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), he cited the example of a community member living with HIV for 33 years and said it demonstrated the progress achieved through sustained intervention programmes.
Kire recalled the slogan “Nothing about us without us” often used by NNP+ and stressed the importance of community-centred interventions involving people living with HIV.
He said several programmes and interventions, including care and support centres, Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC), HIV-TB and STD collaborative programmes, outreach workers and drop-in centres, had been introduced over the years. However, he expressed concern that despite these interventions, Nagaland continued to remain a high HIV prevalence state above the national average.
Recalling an interaction with former President of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam during his 2007 visit to Nagaland, Kire said Kalam had urged officials to work towards bringing Nagaland from a high-prevalence category to a lower-prevalence category.
He also acknowledged the pioneering role played by the Naga Mothers’ Association in combating drug trafficking and responding to the HIV crisis during the early years of the epidemic in the state.
Expressing concern over funding challenges, Kire referred to the withdrawal of certain international support programmes and stressed the need for judicious utilization of available resources for effective implementation of HIV/AIDS programmes.
Additional secretary of Health & Family Welfare and HIV Ombudsman, Government of Nagaland, Renabomo Odyuo, in another solidarity message, described the memorial as a moment of reflection, remembrance and renewed commitment.
He said millions across the world gather every year to light candles in memory of loved ones and individuals lost to HIV/AIDS, adding that every candle represented lives filled with dreams, hopes and contributions that should never be forgotten.
Odyuo said the occasion also honoured the courage and resilience of people living with HIV as well as the dedication of healthcare workers, activists, caregivers and communities who had fought stigma, fear and discrimination over the years.
Referring to his role as HIV Ombudsman under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, he assured continued protection of the dignity, confidentiality, equality and rights of people living with HIV and affected communities.
He further stated that his office would remain accessible to address grievances related to violations under the Act and urged society to ensure compassion, fairness and equal access to healthcare for all affected persons.
The programme was moderated by Kendonglener Lemtor of ARK Foundation. Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Zingyat Shaiza, pastor of Tangkhul Baptist Church Kohima. Significance of the day was shared by Kevi Aier, while tribute to departed souls was led by NNP+ president Lanu. A special number was presented by Rengma Baptist Church Kohima.