Zunheboto district has reported six new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases, among pregnant mothers, from April 2023 to January 2024.
This was informed by District Program Officer (DPO), District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) Zunheboto, Hokishe Chopy at a stakeholder’s sensitization meeting on HIV and AIDS on Tuesday at Town Hall, Akuluto Town, Zunheboto.
A press release by ARK Foundation informed that while speaking on overcoming stigma and discrimination to address HIV, Chopy informed that a total of 431 HIV cases from 2003 to January 2024 were reported in the district among which 72 deaths and 29 lost contacts (lost to follow up) were reported.
He elaborated on the various stigma and discrimination faced by People Living with HIV (PLHIV), and urged the community to do away with stigma and discrimination and promote inclusion and equal treatment to all.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Akuluto, Atsungba Walling, spoke about HIV and AIDS, the stigma and discrimination associated with it.
He also thanked the ARK Foundation for sensitising the community on the crucial issue.
Walling urged the community and stakeholders to give more focus to adolescent groups and school-going children for more awareness programs for the betterment of future society.
ARK Foundation, president, Ketho Angami, highlighted the need for a collaborated effort to address the HIV epidemic in the state.
Stating that HIV and AIDS was a great concern, Angami highlighted the history of HIV and AIDS and the state response to the epidemic.
Stating that 31,152 cases of HIV were reported since 2006, he said Nagaland stands as the 2nd highest HIV prevalence rate in the country.
He said many have died of TB due to coinfection with HIV and AIDS.
Angami said 92% of HIV transmission was caused due to sexual route and urged the stakeholders, civil society organisations, Churches, non-governmental organisations, administration, and youth to address the issue and plan way forward to eliminate stigma and discrimination and strengthen the advocacy among the general population.
Citing drug use and its co-relation to AIDS and TB, he raised concern about the rampant use of drugs and the causes of addiction.
The session “journey from drugs addiction to recovery” was delivered by Khekavi Achumi, a client of the TI Project, Akuluto, who shared his personal experience of addiction and urged young people to stay away from drugs. The programme organised by ARK Foundation and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) was chaired by Akuluto Range Students Union, Pitolu Achumi, and a welcome address was delivered by program manager, TI Project, Akuluto, ARK Foundation, Livika Chishi.