Nagaland sensitization on HIV/AIDS held for prison officials and inmates in Central Jail

The Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), in collaboration with the prisons department and the HLFPPT-GFATM, hosted an insightful “Sensitization of prison officials cum awareness of HIV/AIDS amongst inmates” on October 24, 2025, at Central Jail, Dimapur.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS within the prison settings and encourage healthier lifestyles among both inmates and prison staff, an often overlooked yet critical environment in public health outreach. The program saw participation from prison officials representing both Central Jail and District Jail, Dimapur.
In his keynote address, Renchamo P. Kikon, IPS, and director general of prisons, Nagaland, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the health delivery system for law enforcement agencies like police, excise, home guards and health infrastructure inside prisons. He highlighted the importance of introducing dedicated health facilities to maintain continuous care for inmates undergoing treatment, as well as extending comprehensive healthcare coverage to prison personnel and their families.
Dr. Bernice, joint director of the Prevention Division at NSACS, highlighted that the HIV prevalence rate in Nagaland’s prisons stands at 6.06%, a figure higher than other high-risk groups. She emphasized the need to ensure care continuum for the inmates who are on treatment be it ART, OST, TB, STI, other diseases and the linkages to access these facilities post release of the inmates and strengthening the coordination and reporting. She also observed that the prisons department has come a long way in facilitating the health care needs of the incarcerated population.
The sensitization sessions featured insights from multidisciplinary healthcare professionals including Dr. Tahito Kiyeto Vishepu from the OST Centre, Dimapur, Dr. Molusen Jamir of the ARTC Dimapur District Hospital, Advocate Moatila from the District Legal Services Authority, Dr. Benchilo Ngullie, the District Program Officer CD2, and Gracy Aye, State Mission Coordinator of the SHEW Mission Shakti under the Department of Social Welfare.
The event’s welcome remarks delivered by Zubemo Ovung, jailor of Central Jail, and closing comments from Assistant Jailor Yanshumthung Jungio. State M&E coordinator Ruokuomenuo Dzuvichu from HLFPPT-GFATM chaired the program.
The success of the crucial program not only underscored the pressing health risks within incarcerated populations but also fostered a collaborative spirit among key stakeholders.
By bringing together prison authorities, healthcare professionals, legal services authority and social welfare representatives, it charted a path towards better health services and informed care in Nagaland’s correctional facilities.