Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 18
The first day of the two-day seminar on HIV/AIDS organised by the Legislators’ Forum on AIDS today stressed on the need for the Church and faith-based NGOs to come up with a practical and pragmatic approach to remove stigma and discrimination. The seminar is being held at the Police Headquarters (PHQ) here.
The main resource person of the seminar, Dr. Ravichandran, Counsellor, AIDS Foundation, Denmark, in his presentation in the first session on the topic ‘Role of Church in HIV Prevention’, stressed on the need to cross borders and work together to save lives, reminding that the HIV virus is religion, color, denomination-blind. He also shared some of his experiences working in different countries with different ethnic societies as a church Pastor and as a counsellor for Danish Foundation, particularly with Ethnic Minorities besides being a Business Consultant.
Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu, in his keynote address, while pointing out that Nagaland has achieved a decrease in AIDS from 1.82 percent to 0.87 percent due to the concerted efforts of the government, the church and NGOs and social workers, stressed on the need for the government, the church and organisations to make a concerted effort to achieve zero percent in HIV/AIDS status.
He also added that with the small population that Nagaland has, it is vulnerable to so many agents because of its geographical location. He also highlighted the activities and initiatives of the Legislators’ forum on AIDS.
Mrs. Bit Henningsen from Denmark who is a writer and a social worker, also briefly addressed the gathering. Coordinator, LFA, Dr. Vinito gave an overview of the various works and achievements of the LFA since its inception four years ago while Dr. Hukashe Zhimomi, Director, NDO, NBCC gave a presentation on ‘HIV and AIDS: Involvement of the Church’.
The programme was chaired by Deputy Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Ralanthung Yanthan. A host of dignitaries, church leaders and NGO representatives attended the seminar. Vote of thanks was given by Minister for PHE, Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao.
