KIPHIRE, AUGUST 18 (MExN): In the “Promoting Access to Treatment” campaign Lanu Aier, General Secretary, Nagaland Network of People Living with HIV (NNP+) said “There is an urgent need to provide a human face to the epidemic by increasing access to testing and treatment.” He was addressing the function organized by the Network of Kiphire District People Living with HIV/AIDS (KpNP+) on Friday August 17.
The “Promoting Access to Treatment” campaign is being held in 102 high-prevalent districts to encourage universal access to care, support and treatment including life enhancing Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) among People living with HIV (PLHA) at the Conference Hall, CMO Kiphire.
Roseline, member KpNP+ shared the advantages of taking Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART). “The multi-drug therapy, ART, is not a cure but increases the life span and the quality of life of people living with HIV. ART is not required for everyone who is living with the virus”, she explained. With good lifestyle and healthy habits, people living with HIV can lead a normal life like any other for many years without ART.
Also, Khondao Lotha in a release said that the only way to diagnose the presence of HIV and get timely treatment is through a simple blood test from the 60 Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), which are located in government hospitals, CHCs and designated PHCs through out the State of Nagaland.
The Government of India had announced free ART in 2004 for PLHAs in six high prevalence states, including Nagaland. Antiretroviral drugs are provided free of cost. With a prevalence rate of 1.2% in Nagaland, NSACS estimates there are about 24,000 people infected with HIV. While there are only 4,788 HIV/AIDS cases detected so far, only 464 cases are accessing ART services, including 20 children. This indicates that access to service is dismally low which is due to ignorance, denial or stigma and discrimination and lack of awareness of health care facilities.
However, the awareness and knowledge about the advantages of ART are low which is further hindered by a lack of supportive environment for PLHAs to access treatment and its services. The awareness campaign touches on treatment issues and options, re-infections, positive prevention and reproductive health care issues. Earlier, L Yantsowo Lotha, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, DACC Kiphire launched the “SAY YES” poster campaign.
Others who spoke at the occasion included President, KpNP+, Kyupise Anar, Project Manager, Positive Living Centre (PLC), Tuensang, Dr. Zhimotho from the District Hospital, Kiphire, Athrongba, Counselor, KpNP+ and Tsilise, Associate Youth Secretary, USBLA. Rothrongkyu Sangtam added a musical touch to the program with a special musical performance.
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