Kohima September 28 (MExN): A one day Seminar on HIV/AIDS organized by the National Co-operative Union of India (NCUI), Co-operative Education Field Project (CEFP) was held today at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima. The seminar was attended by various Primary Agriculture Co-operative Societies (PACS), Self Help Groups (SHGs) from Kohima Block besides officers from the Co-operative Department.
Minister for Planning, Economic & Statistic, Evaluation, Urban Development, Higher Education and Co-ordination, Dr. Shürhozelie while gracing the occasion as a Chief Guest appealed to the public and civil societies to be aware of the dangers of HIV/AIDS and its consequences. He urged them, particularly the Church and village based systems to fight against the dreaded disease on a war footing. He said that it had become a tremendous social problem today and that it needed a strong collective response to the deadliest health challenge of the times. Awareness needs to be created in churches and villages and therefore everyone has a role to play in disseminating the dangers of HIV/AIDS, he added. The Minister emphasized the importance of mass awareness at the grass root-level and participation of the church and village. Tovili Sema, IAS also said that the government alone was not enough to tackle the problem and sought the involvement of every civil society and individuals to fight against HIV/AIDS. She maintained that since 95 per cent of the state population is Christians, the church could play crucial role in AIDS prevention and care.
The Project Officer NCUI/CEFP Kohima Ghovili P. Achumi earlier gave a brief account of their project and works. Showcasing the works of various PACS and Self Help Groups under Kohima Block some locally made goods like, woolen shoes, candles and jute carpets were presented to the chief guest.
The Secretary Co-operation, Tovili Sema, IAS in her short address reminded the gathering that Nagaland is the 6th highest HIV/AIDS prevalent State in the country. She said that the need for involvement of civil societies was a must as the Government cannot fight it alone. Vote of thanks was delivered by FGI, NCUI/CEFP Kohima Lhuvezo Swuro.
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