Kohima, August 29 (MExN): A one-day sensitization and training on HIV/AIDS was held for the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS) officials on August 24. Conducted at the conference hall of the Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports in Kohima, the training was jointly organized by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) and Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports.
In her welcome address, Asangla Imti, Director, Department of Youth Resources and Sports said that youth is the most important section of population, and therefore the involvement of the Department is essential in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Stating that the Department of YR&S is the appropriate forum for NSACS to co-ordinate and create awareness, she requested the NSACS officials to work with five of the six wings under the Department of YR&S, namely, the NSS, NYKS, Bharat Scouts & Guides, NCC, and Music Task Force. She also urged the Youth Resources and Sports officials to address the issue in their annual calendar.
The training covered current HIV scenario and various services available in the state, basics of HIV and AIDS and stigma & discrimination, need for mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS programme, experiences and joint activities undertaken in the field of HIV prevention and discussion on the need for strengthening of Joint Working Group for Youth on HIV and AIDS.
The resource persons included Dr. Bernice D. Thapru, Joint Director (TI) NSACS, Dr. Mehokhu Zao, SMO, ART Plus Centre, NHAK, C. Theyo, State NSS Officer, Youth Resources and Sports, Metevinuo Sakhrie, Joint Director (IEC) NSACS, and Ainato Yeptho, Asst. Director (YA) NSACS .
The training concluded with vote of thanks by Tarepnokcha Jamir, Dy. Director (MST), NSACS. Altogether, 42 participants comprising of officers of the Directorate of YR&S, sports coaches of various disciplines, officials of NSS, NCC, Youth Resource officials and Sports officials attended the programme.
