Wokha DC along with Participants at the International AIDS Day programme held at Conference Hall CMO Office in Wokha on December 1.
Wokha, December 1 (MExN): To commemorate World AIDS Day 2025, the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU),WNP+, NUN LWS Wokha, NUN TI Wokha and NUN CiTY BARN Wokha jointly organised International AIDS day with the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response” held at Conference Hall, CMO office, Wokha on December 1.
Highlighting the significance of the theme, Dr Thungchanbemo Ezung Chief Medical Officer Wokha called for sustained political leadership, global cooperation, and a “human rights centered approach” to keep the world on track to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Ezung urged everyone from government, communities and individual to strengthen prevention, expand testing and treatment, and eliminate stigma and discrimination.
Vineet Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Wokha graced the programme as the guest of honour. In his address, Kumar stated that World AIDS day has evolved into a celebration of progress, stating “over the past decades, ART has turned a once fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition for many, new infections have declined.”
He also stated that the day highlights these victories, showcasing how collective effort from government, stakeholder, churches, and grassroots communities has led to a steady decline in new infections, while the hope of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 grows.
Furthermore, Kumar applauded the service providers for reaching out to communities at inaccessible remote places through motor bike services and mobile ICTC.
During the occasion, Lichumo Odyuo DPO (DAPCU) Wokha acknowledged the churches of Wokha Town Baptist Church, Bhandari Town Baptist church, Old Riphyim Baptist Church, Sanis Village Baptist church and AbeniHumtsoe President WNP+ with a certificate in recognition for their contribution and support to the People Living with HIV & AIDS.
Shanchopeni P Lotha, Panel Lawyer WDLSA also highlighted on the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act 2017 stating that the Act primarily aims to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS while protecting the rights of people living with HIV.
Lotha further explained that the very Act prohibits discrimination against HIV positive individuals in employment, education, health care, public services, housing and insurance.
The programme was chaired by Mhonbeni Ezung DPM and vote of thanks delivered by Patrick W Tungoe DRP NUN LWS Wokha. A total of 219 participants from community, churches, supporting organization and red ribbon club members from Bailey Baptist College and Witter Theological College Wokha attended the programme.
