One-day programme, “advocacy meeting on HIV&AIDS”, was organized by North East Institute of Social Science and Research (NEISSR) in partnership with the Nagaland Legislator’s Forum on AIDS (LFA) at NEISSR conference hall Dimapur on April 21. A press release from NEISSR stated that the main speaker of the programme was state consultant, Dr. Vinoto L. Chishi while Hukatoli also spoke on “risk and vulnerability”.
Dr. Vinito presented the HIV&AIDS scenario upto 2018, wherein according to National Aids Control Society (NACO) the prevalence rate of HIV among adults was 0.78% and prevalence rate among the general population was 1.29% (NACO HSS 2014-15 reports). He presented the Nagaland report, wherein out of the total Nagaland population (20 lac aprox) around 11 lac (aprox) blood screening had been done, out of which, 23,000 (aprox) were found to be HIV positive. Nagaland district wise HIV&AIDS report shows that Dimapur has the highest infection rate with 5.15 %, followed by Tuensang with 2.54% and Kohima with 2.54%. Mon district was reported to have the lowest prevalence rate with 0.21%. Reflecting on the alarming concern, he called for the involvement of politicians and church leaders in addressing the issue. Hukatoli, spoke on risk and vulnerability of HIV&AIDS. The programme was moderated by Zachen and Soni L. Nsu. Rev. Fr. John Poji invoked God’s blessing, Vinica S. Achumi and Lanthungo J. Humtsoe delivered the welcome address and vote of thanks respectively.