HepCoN observes ‘World Hepatitis Day’ across Nagaland

Hepatitis Coalition of Nagaland (HepCoN) conducted state wide awareness campaigns and workshop across eight districts in observance of “World Hepatitis Day” on July 28 under the theme, “availability, accessibility, affordability”.
A press release by HepCoN and NUN, Ketho Angami said HepCoN organized the programme with technical support from NUN and self sponsored with an aim to create awareness on Hepatitis C (HCV) and also to advocate availability, accessibility of HCV service and affordable drugs for treatment.
KOHIMA: HepCoN conducted workshop at RRTC hall, Kripa Foundation, Kohima with representatives of people living with Hepatitis C (PLHCV), NNP+, FPAI, Kripa Foundation, KUN and various NGOs.
During the workshop, HepCoN secretary and coordinator, NUN Ketho said the objectives of the workshop were to identify and understand the key issues relating to HCV, develop relevant approach to issues identified, come about in developing realistic strategy for availability which also included drafting of RTI to health department on HCV.
Ketho lamented that government had not demonstrated its leadership in addressing the issue of viral Hepatitis C in the state. He stated that HepCoN and other NGOs or networks had been repeatedly highlighting in many platforms about the disease burden in the state, yet the government had “Zero response” except for sanctioning medical re-imbursement for its employees.
He also said that only sanctioning medical re-imbursement for the employees would not serve the purpose.
The workshop held an intensive brainstorming session in identifying key issues and challenges. Based on the identifications, the team had brought out certain strategy which would be submitted to the government for further implementation of the strategies.
The participants had also resolved to submit RTI to health department and accordingly RTI was drafted during workshop.
MON: World Hepatitis Day (WHD) was jointly organized by Mon Users’ Network (MUN), Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) and HepCoN on July 28 at OST center, District Hospital Mon.
In the programme, secretary of MUN Sashi shared the concept of WHD programme.
DPO, DAPCU Longyim Tzudir in his short speech acknowledged the organizers for taking the initiative to make awareness on Hepatitis to the public by observing the day. He also expressed his optimism that MUN along with other partners would continue to spread awareness on Hepatitis in the district.
OST nodal officer, Mon Dr. Wungyong while speaking on the topic “All about Hepatitis” specifically explained about Hepatitis B and C. He had also elucidated about the route of transmission, dangers and precautions. “Get tested and stay save”, he added. After the programme, 45 blood samples of IDUs and 4 from public were collected and sent to Kolkata ICMR laboratory for testing.
Invocation was said by nurse Angoi while benediction was pronounced by Wanto. Special songs were presented by member Chahwang and Yanyam & friends.
MOKOKCHUNG: Mokokcunhg Users’ Network (MKGUN) in collaboration with HepCoN & NUN organized World Hepatitis Day programme on July 28 at Alongmen Ward community hall.
In the programme, MKGUN general secretary highlighted the significance of WHD and the need to create awareness at all levels. Representative from achiever’s group shared his testimony while Dr. Akum gave a technical briefing on Hepatitis.
KIPHIRE: World Hepatitis Day (WHD) was observed at Survivors office, Kiphire under the chairmanship of Kiphire District Users Network (KDUN) President Moaba.
Speaking at the programme, DAPCU Tsiatsüvi stressed on the importance of district having basic services like antibody testing, IECs and general awareness on viral hepatitis and way for accessible and affordable services.
MO district hospital, Kiphire Dr Lawrence presented the basics of Hepatitis, mode of transmission and its preventive measures while significance of WHD was highlighted by PM, IBAPWO Throngso.
On the day the KDUN team also conducted street outreach campaign at main town.  Information pamphlets on Hepatitis B and C were also distributed to the public.
PHEK: Phek Users’ Network (PUN) in collaboration with NUN and HepCoN organized WHD program at Espoir office, Pfutsero town with drug user community, representatives from Block Development Office (BDO), Chizami and Lightway society.
At the programme, nurse for the targeted intervention program Teisove presented the significance of WHD and also spoke on mode of transmission, importance of viral hepatitis epidemic and why it had become a glaring issue for the state.
 Vetsolo koza from BDO, Chizami spoke on the importance of testing. He encouraged the user’s community to take lead in bringing about favorable and quality HCV programs.
PUN also conducted street outreach campaign at three major points in the town. Information pamphlets on viral hepatitis were distributed to the public at DC junction, hospital junction and city tower point. The program was chaired by president Espoir society Vekhoto puro. A total of 22 participants attended the program. 
TUENSANG: Tuensang District Users Network (TDUN) along with NUN and HepCoN organized WHD at Drop in center of IDS, Tuensang Town with Medical Official (MO) ART and OST Dr. Toshi.
Speaking at the programme Dr. Toshi explained various types of viral hepatitis C. He also said that this disease spreads through sharing of needles and syringes mostly and other risk were blood transfusion, unsafe sex etc.
He encouraged the gathering to practice safe methods and be responsible and help in preventing the spread in the society.
The organizers also distributed hepatitis B and C related information materials to the public at Taxi stand and Public ground. Seven people volunteered to undergo hepatitis C testing. Around 30 representatives from TDUN, IDS and FDS attended the programme.
ZUNHEBOTO: Zunheboto Users’ Forum (ZUF), Eureka Foundation, and Kripa Foundation, Zunheboto in joint collaboration with HepCoN and NUN organized the WHD at Kripa CCFZ rehab center.
In the programme, Hutoi Chophy gave introduction to WHD. The programme started with free testing programme of viral hepatitis C.
Members from NGOs, ZUF and Kripa Rehab staff attended the program.
WOKHA: Wokha Users’ Network (WUN) along with NUN and HepCoN observed WHD at Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital, wokha.
During the programme importance of creating awareness on HCV, mode of transmission and prevention were discussed.
Organizers team also distributed information materials on hepatitis B and C to the participants. The program was attended by members of WUN, OST and NUN TI projects staffs.