Dimapur, April 13 (MExN): Medical officer in-charge of Anti Retroviral Therapy Centre, Dimapur Dr. Hutoka Sema has disclosed that according to Sentinel Surveillance Report 2014, Nagaland has become the state with highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country with an alarming ratio of 0.88%. Country’s figure stands at 0.37%.
According to a press release, Dr. Hutoka said this while presenting a lecture on “basic of HIV/AIDS & treatment facilities available” at an advocacy programme on HIV/AIDS for Kuhuboto and Khaghaboto areas at Kuhuboto town on April 12. The advocacy programme was organized by Western Sumi Totimi Hoho and sponsored by Legislators Forum of AIDS. The medical officer said youth are more vulnerable to the virus. He also gave more input on the purpose of ART.
Addressing the program as guest speaker, N. Jacob Zhimomi, MLA & Chairman, Development Authority of Nagaland said the prevalence and increase in the ratio of HIV/AIDS in the state is alarming and of great concern for the people of the state. He said it was ticking like a time bomb that could devastate the society one day.
He called upon the mothers and leaders of the two areas to come to realization to face the fact and act together to fight the spread of the disease.
Also presenting a speech, Hukatoli Chophy, administrator, Legislators Forum of AIDS said HIV/AIDS is preventable, but it has to start from within every individual. She viewed that women become vulnerable to the disease because of lack of education and awareness, low status and violence against them. She stated the means to prevent the disease from spreading was education and awareness.
Ahimsa K. Zhimo, president, WSTH who delivered a lecture on “stigma and discrimination” stressed on how it is affecting the families. She said stigma and discrimination must be put to stop in order to contain the disease. She urged those attending the seminar to care and support the people infected with HIV/AIDS.
The programme was chaired by Illitoli Zhimo, information and publicity secretary, WSTH and Nisheli, organizing secretary, WSTH was the recorder. Hotoli V. Chishi, treasurer, WSTH delivered welcome address.
