Training module on combating HIV&AIDS for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and faith-based organisations (FBOs) was launched at Hotel Japfu, Kohima on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, chief secretary Temjen Toy urged organisations like Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), Kripa Foundation and others involved in creating out awareness to focus more on vulnerable and high risk groups. He lamented that there was lack of behavioural and habitual changes despite modernisation and liberalisation that had made everyone aware of HIV/AIDS.
He stressed targeting college and school-going groups to sensitise them on the need for behavioural changes. Acknowledging that combating the scourge of HIV&AIDS was still a major challenge, Toy expressed happiness at the continuing efforts being made to combat the same. He urged the people involved in battling the deadly disease to remain focused and take informed decision.
Expressing happiness at the steps being taken by police department to contain spread of the disease, the chief secretary observed that with the support of the church and LEA the challenge could be tackled in a more effective manner.
He said when he was in the health sector15 years back the issue was more about creating awareness and sensitisation against stigmatisation. The thrust remained the same now, though the focus had changed, he added.
Earlier, the focus was more on high risk groups like truck drivers, FSWs and security personnel, he pointed out. Toy also released the book on the training module.
DGP Rupin Sharma, who too was present at the function, remarked that keeping the police personnel insulated from the deadly disease was important. He said police could play the role of a consumer of the training module as well as that of a facilitator.
Sharma suggested strengthening training module so that more people could be trained to help combat the disease. He also suggested structured lessons for students in schools, as it would act as a good catchment area to teach children the ill effects of HIV&AIDS.
Meanwhile, admitting that the church had for long looked upon the pandemic as God’s curse upon sinful humankind and therefore detached itself from addressing the issue, Rev Dr Mechiehol Savi in his speech pointed that the church had lately taken the responsibility of educating people on ways at containing the disease.
In his opening remark, Kripa Foundation director Abou Mere informed the gathering that the foundation had hired consultant to work on a training module for LEA and FBO aimed at empowering the police and church workers in combating HIV&AIDS. He expressed the confidence that the training module would help in understanding the epidemic and develop appropriate responses to tackle the challenges.
While Vikholie Yiese chaired the programme, Rev Savi said the invocation prayer. FBO consultant Vinito Chishi and LEA consultant Dr Sashimeren delivered short speeches. NSACS project director Dr Nangshimeren highlighted the objective of the training module.