World AIDS Day organized by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) with the theme “Hands up for #HIV Prevention” was observed at the main arena, Naga Heritage village, Kisama with Nagaland chief Minister T.R. Zeliang as the chief guest on Thursday.
Compere of the programme Visevinuo Khrieo said World AIDS day observance was an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show their support for the people living with HIV and also to commemorate those who have lost their lives to HIV AIDS.
Khrieo said the purpose of the world AIDS day commemoration every year was to support the member states in order to build up the new and effective policies and programme, to strengthen the health system as well as to increase the capacity of the health sector towards HIV/AIDS. She said as per the recently released HIV estimation 2015 report, India was estimated at 0.26% and Nagaland had 1.29% of estimated adult HIV prevalence.
Chief minister T.R. Zeliang released the red balloons to commemorate the day. A pledge in support of HIV/AIDS was read out led by Vincent Belho the host of the function. Special song was presented by Benathung Humtsoe and Senti Longchar.
DIMAPUR, DEC 1(NPN): In Dimapur the day was observed Thursday here at Town Hall Dimapur under the theme “Hands up for HIV prevention”, organized by District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) Dimapur and supported by Nagaland State AIDS control Society (NSACS), Kohima. Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi, Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur graced the occasion as chief guest.
Dr. Kinimi in his speech said cases of HIV positive was on the rise in Dimapur despite the presence of more than 53 NGOs under NSACS working in different parts of the district and underscored the need to create more awareness/effort in this regard.
Dr. Kinimi asserted that everyone must work hand in hand to create a better tomorrow and encouraged the attendants to question themselves what they were doing for the state and not what the state was doing for them.
The chief guest further urged the people to accept people with HIV as normal people and assist them to access various schemes formulated for them like free transportations and free rations.
Also speaking on the occasion, superintendent of Food and Civil Supply Jamonger Ao stated there was a need to show solidarity to the people affected by the virus by ending stigma and discriminations and starting dialogues with them.
Earlier, Dr. Antoly Swu, dy. CMO Dimapur informed that Nagaland’s current scenario in HIV/AIDS was 1.72% while Dimapur stood at 5.04% as of April to October 2016. (Staff Reporter)
MOKOKCHUNG: Mokokchung District Legal Services Authorithy observed World AIDS Day, by donating hoardings at the Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital and Mokokchung Municipal Council Complex, with the messages, “Prevention is better than cure especially when something has no cure”, “We are all equal. Don’t let a disease change that”, and “Show compassion to people living with HIV/AIDS”. (Correspondent)
PEREN: In Peren the day was observed with vice-principal Peren Government College, Albert where he shared that people needed to be serious and come together to eliminate the disease. He also shared that HIV was not only infected to certain group of people but to everyone. The program was chaired by Rovi Mor DPO DAPCU, Rev Father Mhonchumo Phillip Ovung invoked God’s presence, significance of the day day was shared by Thonjiliu Pameai, Miss Peren district 2016. NPDP+ shared the positive sharing, various artistes from Peren district like Fiona, Keyipeisile, Ichubuing and Peren District Music Society presented songs on the occasion. Vote of thanks was given by Ngauzeulungbe DIS Peren. The program was organised by District Aids Prevention Control Unit Peren in collaboration with Peren District Music Society, Peren Town Youth Organisation and Red Ribbon Club Peren Govt College.
ZUNHEBOTO: In Zunheboto senior medicine specialist, District Hospital Zunheboto, Dr. Akaho Awomi was the resource person for the event.
According to DIPR report, Dr. Akaho said Nagaland state has the highest prevalence rate of HIV in India and approximately 300 persons were dying due to the said disease in Nagaland every year.
Exhorting the gathering not to discriminate people living with HIV/AIDS, the resource person urged the congregation to encourage and support the victims. Lamenting that HIV/AIDS will wipe off future generations if no proper step was taken at the earliest, Dr.Akaho exhorted the gathering to take proactive role by creating awareness among its family members, friends and neighbours about the deadly disease.
District Program Officer (DPO), DACPU, Atokali Assumi in her keynote address said, commemorating World Aids Day was to create awareness among the general populace about HIV and its consequences. Earlier, program was chaired by Viketo while vote of thanks was proposed by supervisor, ICTC, Hokishe Chophy. The program was organized by DAPCU, Zunheboto in collaboration with NZP+ and HIV and AIDS Facilities.
Yingli College: Commemorating World Aids Day, CMO office, Longleng observed World Aids Day in Yingli College under the theme “Hands up for HIV prevention” on December 1.
Keynote speaker of the programme CMO Dr Ritu Thurr, presented a power point on the topic “Scenario of HIV/AIDS” where he spoke on the history of AIDS, how it spreads, its prevention, its awareness and how one should care and support an HIV affected person.
Earlier the programme was chaired by Yingli College vice principal Dr. Henshet Phom, while the lightning of candles and prayer was said by Dr. Toli Achumi, senior medical officer, District Hospital Dr. Satuo Mezhu, delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme was attended by the college students and staffs from Chief Medical Office, Longleng.
BTC: Red Ribbon Club of Baptist Theological College (BTC) organised a seminar on HIV & AIDS. The significance of the World AIDS Day was brought to light by Neitele Mero, Nodal Officer, Red Ribbon Club, BTC. Principal of the College, Rev. Dr. Yiepetso Wezah, gave a reflection on the role of the Church towards people living with HIV & AIDS. A message in song & a skit on the importance of sex education were presented by the students. A discussion hour followed, where the need for awareness of the epidemic, its prevention, & the role of Christians were discussed.
B Coy 9 Assam Rifles: Lecture on AIDS awareness was conducted by ‘B’ Company 9 Assam Rifles at Sumi village, in collaboration with a NGO (Development Association of Nagaland). A healthy interaction was held with the villagers about the menace of AIDS and its ill effects. The villagers were informed about the measures to be taken to prevent spread of this disease. The villagers pledged on the occasion of world AIDS Day that they would carry forward the knowledge and awareness obtained from the lecture.