Dimapur, December 1 (MExN): The 30th World AIDS Day was commemorated in different educational institutions of Nagaland on December 1 under the universal theme ‘Live Life Positively. Know your HIV Status’
Baptist Theological College: On World AIDS Day the Red Ribbon Club of the Baptist Theological College organised a day-long programme on the theme ‘Know Your Status.’ The programme was attended by a team from Integrated Counselling & Testing Centre (ICTC) Pfutsero and another team from the Lightway Society, Pfutsero.
Skit competition based on the theme ‘Agents of Change’ was witnessed. The Lightway Society sponsored the prizes for the competition.
Dr. Thanghoi Lam, State Program Officer (NHM) Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, was the resource person. Dr. Lam gave a highlight of the present scenario of HIV in Nagaland & brought awareness on the ongoing and upcoming programme as well as testing and care centres in the state. He stressed on the Health Department's need for support from the Church, RRCs, institutions & NGOs in fighting against HIV & AIDS. He encouraged the College community to get tested & be aware of one's HIV status & to be agents of change. A voluntary HIV test was conducted by the ICTC team, whereby 70 volunteered for the test.
J.N Aier College: Red Ribbon Club of J.N Aier College observed 'WORLD AIDS DAY' at the college auditorium on December 1. Keleseno, Asst. Prof of Education Department shared her experience on 'True Love Waits'. Kheka Lima, Vice-Principal gave a talk on the theme ‘Know your status’ where she highlighted on the recent status of HIV prevalence in Nagaland and encouraged the students to be aware of their status. The programmed was chaired by. Khenili Kiho, Nodal Officer of Red Ribbon Club.
City College: An awareness programme on AIDS was held on World AIDS DAY under the theme “Know your status” at City College of Arts & Commerce, Dimapur with Kuzieding Lungalang as the resource person. Lungalang emphasised on the need to know the roots causing the deadly disease and also reminded the students about the state of Nagaland being the most infected in India. He reminded the students about the importance of knowing one’s own status and making our self and the society free from this disease.
Wokha: World AIDS Day was observed with the theme ‘Know your Status’ at Town Hall Wokha, jointly organized by DAPCU, WNP+, Project AHANA and NUN TI on December 1. It was sponsored by NSACS and Project AHANA. Theme speaker, Dr. HT Sangtam, Pathologist, DMMDH Wokha stressed on the fact that knowing one status is very vital for the control of HIV. He emphasised more on HIV testing and to get tested.
Deputy Commissioner and chairman DAPCC emphasised on the fact that since no vaccine can be developed for HIV virus as the virus get genetically modified constantly. He said that society has to accept HIV/AIDS as any other diseases and not to be judgmental and discriminate on HIV positive person. To help in all these, church and village council plays a vital role.
Apeni Lotha, President WNP+ Wokha in her testimony shared that she was detected HIV positive 9 years ago but till now she is living a healthy life as she does not miss ART medicine.
The programme was attended by students of higher secondary schools, colleges, teachers, medical department and NGOs.
