All 53 DICs in the state to remain closed on May 17 and 18 to protest non-release of funds
Kohima, May 15 (MExN): The 33rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on the theme “Engage, Educate, Empower” was observed in Kohima today at State Academy Hall.
President of N-NAGA DAO, Abou Mere said that National AIDS Control Organisation has reported that with 0.88% HIV positive cases, Nagaland is among the highest prevalent state.
He lamented that initially the prevalence was among drug users, substance abusers or alcoholics, but the present prevalent rate is high among the public.
Questioning the high prevalence despite several NGOs working in the field to create awareness and stop further spread of HIV, he said “NGOs are working but the state government has failed to implement Article 21 (Right to Health).”
He cited that the state government has failed to release funds related to HIV/AIDS programmes for the last six months, which is hampering the functioning of Drop-in Centre (DIC) in the state.
He revealed that all 53 DICs throughout the state would remain closed on May 17 and 18 as a mark of protest against the non-release of funds by the state government.
Being a Christian majority state, Mere also pointed that the church should not only involve in spreading awareness but also provide care and support to the infected and affected people.
Further, Mere expressed fears that the patent rights given to pharmaceutical companies by the Central government would have adverse effect on the availability of HIV/AIDS preventive drugs.
State Tuberculosis Officer, Dr K.T. Lotha while stating that HIV/AIDS does not have curable medicine maintained that it is preventable. He called upon all stakeholders to recommit and make concerted efforts to curb further spread of HIV/AIDS.
