DIMAPUR, OCT 29 (MExN): Youth centre Dimapur along with the PEACE CHANNEL a youth Movement of third millennium organized a seminar on recent findings in HIV/AIDS held on October 29 Saturday in Christ Hall Dimapur. About 20 NGOs working with HIV/AIDS, church leaders, peace channel members from various schools, teachers and youth attended and participated in the panel discussion, which was animated by Fr. C.P. Anto the Youth Director of the Diocese. He also stated the reason for choosing this hot issue for the discussion. “We can no longer wait when our own brothers and sisters have become victims and prey for the deadly disease called AIDS,” he said.
Along Longkumer, the Editor The Morung Express, was the chief guest of the seminar and Dr. Mhabemo, from Zion Hospital was the guest of honour. Along Longkumar began his keynote address quoting the NACO findings of the seminar conducted in the state, “Nagaland is facing a situation like that of South Africa.” Referring to a study conducted by UNDP in the six high prevalent states of India including Nagaland and Manipur, the Editor expressed concern that in a majority of cases, HIV virus was transmitted through the male partner and that the number of women with HIV/AIDS was on the increase. “Therefore, we need more active participation of men in HIV/AIDS awareness programmes. In this grim situation the fight against this killer disease can no longer be confined only to the NGOs and State government alone,” Mr Longkumer said.
The Editor also pointed out that HIV/AIDS was becoming a young person’s disease and suggested that since it affects the most productive segment of the society, schools must be utilized as a platform to boost awareness campaign and urged NGOs to conduct seminars and awareness programmes in a classroom setting for more participation and effective dissemination of information. This way he said that once students are sensitized, they can educate their parents at home.
He also emphasized the importance of the local media especially print media but the role of News Papers alone is not sufficient, he said. Pointing out that in Naga society it is a taboo to discuss sex; he called for effective information, education and communication in order to equip young people in protecting themselves against the threat posed by HIV/AIDS. “We cannot talk about responsible behavior if we fail to educate people towards safe practice”, Mr Longkumer said.
The Editor said that it was time for Naga society to wake up to reality and break the silence of the problem of HIV/AIDS. “We need the collective effort of every section of the society”, he urged and reminded the audience that with no cure yet for this dreaded disease, safe behavior and individual responsibility was the only protection.
Dr. Mhabemo projected the recent findings on HIV/AIDS and explained the cause and effect of the pandemic besides basic information related to its spread, awareness and taking steps to curb its further spread. Dr Mhabemo who is also the key figure in the Dimapur AIDS Control Committee informed that in India 5.2 million were infected and that India had overtaken S. Africa as the leading country with infected people. Among the high prevalent states in India includes Nagaland. In Nagaland the 3 districts of Kohima, Dimapur and Tuensang tops the list. Dr Mhabemo also informed about the facilities available for infected persons. This includes ARVT (Anti Retroviral Therapy), VCTC (Voluntary Counseling & Testing Centre), PPTCT (Prevention of Parents to Child Transmission), PEP (Post Exposure Prophalysix), STD Clinic, Blood Safety, TB & HIV Coordination.
Earlier Fr. C.P. Anto the founder of the Peace Channel movement welcomed the gathering. Mr. James Rongmai was the chair person and Sr. Anita the Secretary Peace Channel proposed the vote of thanks. Later, a panel discussion was held with active participation of audience.
