Advocacy meeting on HIV/AIDS underlines ‘alarming concern’

Dimapur, April 21 (MExN): A one day programme on ‘advocacy meeting on HIV/AIDS’ was organized by North East Institute of Social Science and Research (NEISSR) in partnership with the Nagaland Legislator’s Forum on AIDS (LFA) at NEISSR conference hall Dimapur on April 21.  

A press release stated here that Dr. Vinoto L. Chishi, State Consultant was the main speaker of the programme. Hukatoli also spoke on the ‘Risk and Vulnerability’ in the session.  

State Consultant, Dr. Vinito L. Chishi presented the scenario of HIV/AIDS till 2018. He presented that according to National Aids Control Society (NACO) the prevalence rate of HIV among adult is 0.78% and general population prevalence rate is 1.29% (NACO HSS 2014-15 reports).  

He presented the Nagaland report which stated that out of the total Nagaland population (20lac aprox) around 11 lac (aprox) blood screening had been done, out of which, 23,000 (aprox) were found to be positive. Nagaland district wise HIV/AIDS report shows that Dimapur has highest with 5.15 %, followed by Tuensang with 2.54% and Kohima with 2.54%. Mon district was reported with lowest 0.21%.  

Reflecting on the ‘alarming concern’, he called for the importance of the involvement of politician and church leaders in addressing the issue through pre-marital counseling and creating public awareness. He also calls forth for the MSW students to be aware/ be prepared about the situation. He also stress importance on getting tested and knowing one’s own status as one day or the other it will be discovered.  

Hukatoli, later spoke on risk and vulnerability of HIV/AIDS, said that we are all vulnerable and at risk at a point of time. She strongly suggested people not be ashamed to talk about sexual health, and challenged the trainees, “as MSW students, if we don’t, who will?” She also said that perception of risk and vulnerability to only some targeted population needs to be changed. Speaking on the importance of media, she said that advertisement should be based more on protective measures and not pleasurable aspects. She also stated that there should be change in general perception about “It is their work, not mine. It is their risk, not mine.” It’s our responsibility to take care of our own health and not any other person or organization.  

Earlier the programme was moderated by Zachen and Soni L. Nsu. Rev. Fr. John Poji invoked God’s blessing, Vinica S. Achumi and Lanthungo J. Humtsoe delivered the welcome address and vote of thanks respectively.



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