International AIDS candlelight memorial observed at Dimapur

The 40th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on the theme “Spread love and solidarity to build stronger communities” was observed at Chavara Home (CH) here on Sunday.
Speaking at the occasion, special guest and Dimapur deputy commissioner (DC) Sachin Jaiswal noted that the fight against HIV was going on for four decades. He observed that the level of support for people living with HIV from the community and family members had improved, but stressed that more sensitisation was required.
Thanking the organiser for hosting the event, he said the gathering might be a small, but the message had reached far and wide about the need for creating more public awareness about HIV and AIDS.
He applauded District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) for holding campaigns at schools and raising awareness among students on HIV infection. He mentioned that such campaigns should be encouraged and all sections of the society should support these.
Jaiswal remarked that people living with HIV who were cured and leading their normal lives and proudly earning their livelihoods were the real heroes, while encouraging the affected individuals to follow the advices of doctors. He called for maintaining healthy lifestyles.
The DC appealed to the society to not discriminate the affected people, but rather encourage and support them. In his welcome and keynote address, Network of Naga People Living with HIV and AIDS (NNP+) Lanu Aier said the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was observed on third Sunday of May every year by people living with HIV since 1983 to help mobilise community and break stigma surrounding the disease.
He stressed that it was time for all to remember scores of lives lost to HIV and AIDS, while honouring the people who dedicated their life to helping people living with and affected by HIV and continue to mobilise the community in solidarity.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Akhan Theyo, invocation by Chavara Home sister Florence, message from affected families by Emmanuel K Lawnok, special number by children of Chavara Home.
Solidarity messages were also delivered by DPO DAPCU Mecievinuo, DNSU speaker Michael Kath, SMO Art Plus Centre Dr. Hotoka Hesso and executive director, Bethesda youth welfare centre Chenithung while benediction was pronounced by Chavara Home sister Sereena.
Other highlights of the programme included lighting of the candle and holding one-minute silent prayer.