Kohima, August 7 (MExN): NNP+ in collaboration with LFA-UNAIDS held District Level Advocacy campaign on HIV and AIDS at Kiphire on August 4 with C.Kipili Sangtam, MLA and Chairman, DPDB & NSMDC as the Guest Speaker. Speaking at the function, Kipili acknowledged the organisers for their concern for the people of Kiphire in making them realise the most challenging issues that facing the present generation.
He also appreciated the members of KpNP+ for coming forward and getting involved in prevention and advocate for their rights. Kipili also promised to donate an Auto Analyser at Kiphire and also encouraged the fellow citizens to go for HIV test as it is good for everyone to know about their status and appealed to extend their support in preventing the epidemic and to show care and support to our brothers and sisters living with the virus. He assured that he is always ready to give his support in every possible way.
Chongtie, President NNP+ in her concept briefing, said that the main objectives of having advocacy campaign on HIV and AIDS with stakeholders is to educate about HIV and AIDS, to bring changes in the policies and programme including affordable access to treatment and to reduce discrimination attached with the HIV epidemic.
Appreciating the initiative by the leaders, she also called upon all the citizens of Kiphire to come forward and take a positive response towards prevention of HIV and to create an enabling environment for those who are living with it in the district.
Tia Sangtam, President KpNP+ on his Positive Speaking thanked God for all His blessings and appreciated the love and care shown to him by his fellow beings. He said that though he is HIV positive, yet he is living healthily with the help of treatment (ART).
Vikito, LFA – UNAIDS highlighted on the commitment and initiative taken by Nagaland Legislators towards HIV and AIDS programme in the state since the inception of Nagaland Legislators Forum on HIV and AIDS. He mentioned that LFA is moving forward for more visible progress and will continue to make efforts to achieve a realistic goal.
Kyupise Anar, State MIS Officer NNP+ presented the overall State HIV scenario with special focus on Kiphire district and said that HIV and AIDS is a reality in the district that affect the whole sections in the society and therefore it is everyone’s responsibility to join in the campaign for the cause.
Joshua Sangtam Chairperson, Kiphire Town Council, Dr. I Sungit Jamir, Chief Medical Officer Kiphire and Thsithrongkyu GB & Vice President, GBs Association Kiphire Area respectively expressed their happiness to the organisers for making them understand about their roles in creating an enabling space in Kiphire district and assured us that they are always ready to do for the welfare of the community. Tia Medical Superintendent Kiphire who briefed on the facilities available in the district encouraged the fellow citizens to come forward and access to the services which are already available in the district.
The meeting was attended by around 130 key stakeholders representing government departments, political leaders, civil societies, students etc including the Deputy Commissioner and SP, Kiphire. A recommendations were made during the short open interaction for future actions such as Advocacy cum blood test campaign should be followed up at all levels so as to educate the general masses on HIV disease and treatment, reduce stigma and discrimination and to create a supportive environment for people living with HIV and AIDS.
