With the rest of the world, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society organized World AIDS Day under the theme “Right to health: My health, my right”, with commissioner & secretary, Health and Family Welfare, R. Ramakrishnan (IAS), as the chief guest at Old MLA Hostel junction Kohima on Friday.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest said AIDS is a disease that can be stopped through behavioural change.
He said though the prevailing rate of AIDS in Nagaland is lower than the national rate we have to a lot more and reduce it even further. He said this programme was organized to create awareness and spread the message of love and support to the people living with AIDS and to also spread the message “Right to health: My health, my right”.
NSACS project director, Dr. Nangshimeren, in his address, shared the significance of World AIDS Day and said it was organized to create awareness, to fight against HIV/AIDS, to show solidarity and to commemorate those that lost their lives to AIDS. He urged the people to promote removal of prejudice, stigma and discrimination, against people living with AIDS.
Later, Ramakrishnan flagged off a Walkathon, which saw participation from various sections of society, including Red Ribbon Club from school and colleges, Assam Rifles, churches, Project 72, Vihaan and NNP+ with placards and banners, some of which read “my health my right”, “stay safe stay free”, “know your HIV status get tested today”, “prevention is better than cure especially when something has no cure”. The Walkathon began from old MLA junction and ended at High School Junction Kohima.