District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) Dimapur in collaboration with District Level Network and in partnership with NGOs of Dimapur observed the 28th World AIDS Day under the theme “Getting Zero: the time to act is Now” here Tuesday at Town Hall with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur Kesonyü Yhome as guest speaker.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC said World AIDS Day was a day to retrospect, observe and share solidarity and not to celebrate. He also AIDS challenges can be done away through action and not by preaching.
Yhome lamented on the failure of the state government, organizations and individual to address the grievances of the affected people and assured them to give the best and rededicate for the cause.
Addressing the HIV & AIDS patients, Yhome said they were the real heroes, fighting with courage and endurance and asked them to voice out to the government and organizations to “stop preaching and start acting”.
SMO Dr. Hotoka Hesso, ART Plus Centre, Dimapur while presenting on “HIV & AIDS- A reality” disclosed that according to NSACS report September 2015, the number of patients detected as HIV positive was 18,952 out of which 9,145 was from Dimapur.
He also informed that number of patients registered in ART was 13,097 (695%), number of patients started diagnosing was 7,569 (57%), reported death was 973, reported alive and on ART was 5,197 (68.59%), pre ART LFU was 1477 and ART LFU was 1,345 out of which 1038 was from Dimapur.
Dr. Hesso also disclosed that according to NACO-Sentinel Surveillance 2012-13, Nagaland was the highest relevance of HIV in India with 0.88 followed by Mizoram with 0.66, Manipur with 0.64, Andra Pradesh with 0.59 and Karnataka with 0.53. Further, he informed that the mostly affected age was between 25-34 years (44%).
Short speech was delivered by Fr.C.F Anto, Peace Channel Dimapur, significance of the day was highlighted by Anna Hairang, P.O NERO. On behalf the churches and women organizations pastor Yambemo of Eyilo Ministry, Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur and Naga Women Hoho general secretary Vimeno presented speech on “Our commitment & solidarity”.
A minute silent prayer was also observed in remembrance of the HIV/AIDS –patients who passed away.
Other highlights of the programme included special presentation by Guardian Angel and Ebenezer Orphanage Home, Dimapur, Mlae voice by Lotha Baptist Church, fancy dress and testimony by president DNP+ Lucy. The programme was compered by Neikupeu & Hinile, welcome address was delivered by Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) Dimapur Antoly Suu, vote of thanks was proposed by Orenthung Ngullie, DIS DAPCU Dimapur while benediction was pronounced by coordinator Miqlat Ministry NBCCWD Vizhula Nguori. (Staff Reporter)
MOKOKCHUNG: Mokokchung Town observed World AIDS Day along with the rest of the world by holding a brief programme at Imlong Place organized by a conglomerate of NMP+, DAPCU, C&SS, CCC, Guardian Angel, Grace Society and MKGUN sponsored by NSACS and graced by addtional deputy commissioner Mokokchung Rajesh S IAS as the chief guest.
Speaking at the programme, the chief guest quoted “Even if it (AIDS) does not affect us, it affects us all” and added that there was something wrong in the approach to prevention and the preventive measures taken against the fight for AIDS.
He also said that there was a “huge disconnect” between theory and practical approach on this issue as the statistical trend shows no decline in the infection rate. The ADC therefore called upon the stakeholders to readdress this issue.
Rajesh said the negative discrimination towards HIV & AIDS needs to be completely removed and called for more awareness programme. He also encouraged the gathering to let the awareness spread and not the mis-information and called upon all individuals, groups, civil societies to stand and fight AIDS in order to achieve the theme “Getting to Zero”.
Earlier in the programme, the significance of the day was given by President NMP+ T. Temsu Jamir. He also gave a statistics of the present AIDS scenario in the district. Jamir said that samples tested from April – October 2015 revealed 6831 persons tested positive in the district. Representatives from civil societies like Ao Senden, Watsu Mungdang and AKM also spoke at the program. The program also witnessed two special songs being presented by Tiasola Ozukum and Yapangtola Jamir.
The formal program was followed by declaration of signature campaign. The signatories pledge their support to fight against stigma and discrimination related to AIDS. Meanwhile, Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) visited the Care & Support Centre, NMP+ and had interaction with the staff and patients on the occasion of World AIDS Day. The interaction was held to enlighten the rights of the positive people and further encouraged them to live in dignity as others. (Correspondent)
PEREN: World AIDS Day was observed on December 1 on the theme “Getting to Zero” at Baptist High School Peren. The programme was organised by the District AIDS Prevention Control Unit, Peren in collaboration with Helpdesk (District Level Network) Jalukie was graced by the additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Peren, S. Tainiu. The ADC, while speaking on the theme “Getting to Zero” expressed her concern about the issues relating to HIV & AIDS. She cited that positive attitude towards people living with HIV was important and encouraged all to show love and care and not to discriminate. She also cautioned everyone to be responsible in protecting oneself and loved ones from HIV.
The ADC urged the students to live their lives responsibly as they are the future and the ones to take up leadership positions one day.
DPO DAPCU, Khriethonuo Tungoe conducted an awareness session on Basics of HIV/AIDS with the students and staff of the school. District HIV scenario, routes of transmission, prevention, treatment and facilities available were shared during the session.
Interaction followed during which misconceptions and doubts of the students were clarified.
There were a total of 173 participants comprising of students and faculty/staff of BHS, HIV facility staffs, members of NPDP+ and DAPCU who attended the programme.
LONGLENG: World AIDS Day 2015 was observed at Longleng organized by Yingli Mission Society in partnership NNP+ under the sponsorship of Nagaland State AIDS Control Society with ADC Longleng, Mongo Khiamongan as the chief guest.
A press release by Yingli Mission Society member Lipok Imsong stated that in a simple yet impressive function chaired by project manager YMS, Koni Phom was attended by government officials, public leaders, business communities, students, women, churches and well wishers. It stated that keynote address was presented by Lipok Imsong of YMS and other speakers included Shamthei Phom, president Phomla Hoichem, Hongkam Phom, president Phom Students’ Conference and Apok Phom, president Longleng Users’ Network.
The programme began with invocation by Chuong PBCA, special number presented by Aying Angh, while vote of thanks was shared by chief functionary (TI)YMS, Thepmei and benediction by Moi-om.
TUENSANG: District Health Society (DHS) Tuensang observed the 28th International World Aids Day on theme ‘’Getting to Zero’’ on December 1 at CKS Hall with director ECS Tuensang Phutoli Chingmak as guest speaker. On the occasion, Chingmak highlighted the key collaborations, demography or area coverage and community response and Church engagements while district scenario was presented by MO ARTC, Tuensang Dr. Toshi.
The programme was chaired by programme manager FDS Noksen, invocation pronounced by pastor Youth SBC Tovishe Sema, welcome address was delivered by DPO, DAPCU Rovikhoto Mor while vote of thanks was proposed by NTDP+ president Tainiu.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025