KIPHIRE
Nagaland joined the rest of the world in observing International AIDS Day 2025 on December 1 under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” Programmes were held across districts highlighting awareness, prevention, and solidarity with people living with HIV.
In Kiphire, the programme was organised by the District Integrated Strategy for HIV& AIDS Unit in collaboration with the District Administration.
Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, Temsuwati Longkumer, graced the occasion as special guest while Dr. Holiba A. Anar, MO ART, delivered the theme address. The programme was chaired by Rozila, Counsellor ICTC DH.
Speaking on behalf of the District Level Network (DLN), president Thsointhe expressed gratitude to the district administration and community organisations for their continued support to PLHIV. He highlighted the importance of sustained availability of ART drugs and equipment, while appealing to civil societies and government departments to strengthen efforts against stigma and discrimination.
Limitsung Sangtam, Specialist in Financial Literacy, Mission Shakti-DHEW, shared awareness on government schemes under Mission Shakti, particularly those aimed at women’s safety and empowerment. He informed that the programme provides 24-hour helpline (181), emergency assistance, psycho-social counselling and access to economic opportunities.
Delivering the theme speech, Dr. Holiba A. Anar noted that HIV remains a major global public health issue, with 40.8 million people living with HIV at the end of 2024 and an estimated 6.3 lakh HIV-related deaths. He explained the UNAIDS 95-95-95 strategy aligned with SDG target 3.3 to end AIDS by 2030. Sharing district statistics, he said Kiphire has achieved 49% in the first 95, 87% in the second, and 98.1% in the third, while Nagaland remains the second highest HIV prevalence state in the country with over 15,000 people on ART. He urged compassion and support for PLHIV, stressing that stigma and trauma remain major challenges.
Special guest Temsuwati Longkumer emphasised the need to transform the AIDS response by confronting stigma and encouraging PLHIV to avail treatment. He said many patients live healthy lives with timely ART, but those who remain hidden hinder prevention efforts. He called for community participation in awareness and collective vision for better health outcomes.
DIMAPUR
DIMAPUR: District Integrated Strategy for HIV&AIDS (DISHA) Dimapur, in collaboration with Sshakti CSC 2.0, District Level Network (DLN), targeted intervention NGOs and development partners, observed World AIDS Day 2025 at the Chapel Hall of District Hospital Dimapur.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, Mission Director, Health & Family Welfare, highlighted the urgency of building a resilient and inclusive response amid challenges such as funding cuts, strained health systems and rising stigma. He stressed the need to protect vulnerable groups and strengthen public health systems to achieve the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
Dr. Theyo noted that Nagaland continues to have the second-highest adult HIV prevalence rate in India at 1.37%, compared to the national average of 0.21% (India HIV Estimates 2023). He pointed to a shift in HIV positivity from traditional high-risk groups to the general population, calling for intensified community-led initiatives and collective vigilance.
He urged stakeholders to rise above stigma, ensure universal access to testing and treatment, and safeguard the rights and dignity of people living with HIV. “If we stand with empathy, act with knowledge, and commit with compassion, we can turn disruption into transformation,” he said.
In her session, Dr. Sussana Kikon, Medical Officer at ART Centre, Chümoukedima, addressed myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV treatment. She emphasized that “knowledge is not just power—it is a matter of life and death,” and illustrated her points with a real-life example shared with consent.
Dr. Kikon clarified that while ART suppresses the viral load and enables healthy living, it is not a cure. She warned against discontinuing medication, stressing that even a 12-hour lapse can allow the virus to mutate. She also spoke on stigma, emotional well-being, and the importance of responsible disclosure, noting that true healing includes both emotional and medical care.
Voices from the community were shared by DNP+ president Moa and CSC Sshakti representative Thingkuiphi. A solo performance was presented by Kaimang Hangsing, and the Sisterhood Network delivered a message of commitment and solidarity.
The programme was chaired by Orenponi and Vethitalu Veswuh from PATH. Invocation was led by Rev. Yhunlo Thong, followed by a presentation on the significance of the day by Robin Kent. An instrumental piece was performed by Gideon Kithan.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Wapangnaro, M&E, Sshakti CSC. A minute of silence was observed in remembrance of lives lost to HIV and AIDS.
TOBU
TOBU: World AIDS Day was also jointly observed by the four Targeted Intervention (TI) projects of Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) under Mon district —
Joint Action Committee Against Opium Addiction (JACAOA) Tobu, NNP+ Aboi, Shansham Organisation Mon Town, and Turning Point Tizit — at Tobu Town.
The programme, chaired by Ngaupu A, Project Manager JACAOA Tobu, was attended by Newman Higher Secondary School Tobu, Government Higher Secondary School Tobu, Tobu Sub-Division Administration, 29 Assam Rifles, TASU, TTSU, KNSK Tobu Unit, Tobu Town Council and GBs.
Invocation was pronounced by Khotuh, Deacon TTBC, while welcome address was delivered by Wanmai, project manager NNP+ Aboi.
Stephan, Project Manager Shansham Organisation Mon Town, spoke on the significance of the day. Short speeches were also delivered by EAC Tobu, Er. Mhao Humtsoe, and Officer Commanding 29 Assam Rifles, Ranjit Roy. Resource person Dr. Pangjong, MO CHC Tobu, reflected on the global theme, stressing reduction of stigma, access to treatment, and family support.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Nyempha, project manager Turning Point Tizit.
CHAVARA HOME, DIMAPUR
Chavara Home, Dimapur: Chavara Home, Dimapur commemorated World AIDS Day 2025 at its centre on December 1 with staff, students and inmates participating in the programme.
The programme began with Sr. Regina Elaa, centre in-charge, welcoming the gathering and invoking God’s blessing.
She highlighted the significance of the day and stressed the need to remember those who lost their lives to HIV and AIDS. Sister Merin explained the theme of the day, after which a candlelight ceremony was held. Moments of silence were observed in honour of departed members.
The programme concluded with a prayer led by Carol Singlai.
MOKOKCHUNG
MOKOKCHUNG: World AIDS Day 2025 was observed in Mokokchung at the Chief Medical Officer’s Conference Hall. The programme was organised by District AIDS Control Society (DACS) in collaboration with Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA), DISHA, NGO partners, and sponsored by the National AIDS Control Society (NACO).
Addressing the gathering, Dr. R. Toshimenla Jamir, DACO/DTO, highlighted the significance of the day and stressed the need for collective efforts to combat HIV and AIDS. He underscored the importance of awareness, prevention, and support for people living with HIV, while acknowledging both progress made and challenges ahead.
Assistant Commissioner Mokokchung, Ajay Moktan, in his speech said HIV was a preventable disease and cited the example of Lady Diana’s compassion towards PLHIV. He called for discussions and awareness to stop stigma, encouraged peer learning, and urged companionship and support for PLHIV to overcome psychological disruptions such as discrimination.
Speaking on legal rights, Molo Jamir on behalf of MDLSA highlighted services available under the authority. He referred to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 which aims to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, and stressed rights including confidentiality, non-discrimination, and access to healthcare.
Meyiwapang, ORW of Guardian Angel, shared personal experiences on the importance of care and support for PLHIV. Care & Support Society, Mokokchung, also presented on services available for affected individuals. An interaction session moderated by Sapo Aier, Mobile ICTC Counsellor, provided participants the opportunity to engage in dialogue on HIV-related issues.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Makshi Jamir, DPO DISHA Mokokchung. It was chaired by Imosungla, Prison Coordinator, and attended by stakeholders including government departments, NGOs, and civil society organisations.
WOKHA
WOKHA: District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), WNP+, NUN LWS Wokha, NUN TI Wokha and NUN City Barn Wokha jointly organised the programme at Conference Hall, CMO office, with Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Vineet Kumar, as guest of honour.
In his address, Kumar said World AIDS Day has evolved into a celebration of progress, noting that ART has transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition. He highlighted collective efforts of government, churches, stakeholders and grassroots communities in reducing new infections and expressed hope of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. He also lauded service providers for reaching remote communities through motorbike services and mobile ICTCs, and urged participants to end stigma against PLHIV.
CMO Wokha, Dr. Thungchanbemo Ezung, stressed sustained political leadership, global cooperation and human rights-centred approaches to achieve the 2030 goal. Panel Lawyer WDLSA, Shanchopeni P. Lotha, spoke on the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act 2017, which prohibits discrimination against HIV-positive individuals in employment, education, healthcare, housing, insurance and public services.
PHEK
Phek: World AIDS Day was observed at Dr. Wethselo T. Mero Memorial Hall, District Hospital Phek, organised by DISHA with Deputy Commissioner Phek, Rhosietho Nguori, as special guest.
In his address, Nguori said HIV and AIDS continue to be seen as a threat due to stigma and lack of pragmatic response. He stressed that PLHIV deserve love, respect and empathy, and urged community leaders to play a vital role in stopping the spread.
President PTCSU, Vezovo Rhakho, appealed to the Health Department to adopt religious and social approaches in educating students and the public, while assuring solidarity with PLHIV.
MON
Mon: World AIDS Day was observed at Wangkhao Government College with a district-level programme organised by DISHA in collaboration with Red Ribbon Club WGC, Shansham Organisation, Evergreen Welfare Society, Mon Users’ Network (MUN), and supported by NSACS.
DISHA District Programme Officer Longyim Tzudir reported that Mon district has registered over 400 HIV-positive clients, with 292 alive and receiving ART as of October 2025. He emphasised combating stigma, raising awareness, and encouraging youth to act as ambassadors for HIV prevention.
Guest speaker, CMO Mon, Dr. Supongmenla Walling, contextualised the global HIV situation, noting 40.8 million people living with HIV worldwide and 1.3 million new infections in 2024. She highlighted treatment gaps among high-risk groups and innovations such as telemedicine, HIV self-testing kits, and long-acting preventive medicines. She reminded that the 2030 goal of ending AIDS remains achievable with urgency and unity.
Students and faculty from Mon Vale College also joined the event, pledging support for the global HIV response. Partner TI NGOs — Shansham Organisation Mon, Turning Point Tizit, NNP+ Aboi and JACAOA Tobu — simultaneously held programmes at Tobu.