Kuzhovesa Soho
Phek | September 9
A one-day program on ‘Advocacy campaign on HIV & AIDS’ with the stakeholders was observed today here at Badminton Stadium, Phek under the theme ‘Together we can – a response’. The campaign was organised by the NNP+ in collaboration with the Eureka Life Foundation (ELF) Phek, and supported by the Legislative Forum on AIDS (LFA), Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienuh, Minister for Health & Family Welfare and convenor of LFA Nagaland, challenged them to be well prepared to face the dreaded disease at any moment saying, “it is a common challenge for every individual whatever aspects the so-called disease confront us,” and added that “one should prepare and at the same time be aware to face the same”.
Stressing on the importance of human, infrastructure, economic and other such developments, Azo pointed out that all those requirements, despite being available at one’s end, would be in vain until one can keep oneself away from the dreaded disease.
Urging the congregation to educate their people to be bold enough to go for blood tests, Azo said that “our people never had the concern of coming out with such kind of motive” and this had put the whole environment at stake while at the same time creating a dangerous environment. He said, “The government, by providing several related schemes for the lot of every individual, needs you to be part of the national asset,” even though one might already be infected with the disease.
When you get yourself identified at the right stage and get awareness, you are in the process saving another life, said Azo, adding that one should never hesitate to get tested. Nagaland having a population of approximately 12lakhs might be endangered if not checked at an early stage, the Health Minister said. Referring to the present scenario of HIV/AIDS in Phek district where 99 people were tested positive, he said, if our people were not educated, one day we might fall in to the prey of parasites. Let us fight against the disease but not the person who is living with HIV/AIDS, added Azo.
Deo Nukhu, MLA and Advisor for IT, Art & Culture and Renewable Energy, advised the people to spread awareness among their village people so as to keep away from the dreaded disease. While citing instances of highly prevalent cases in some parts of the state, Nukhu urged the gathering not to panic but acquire the proper information to equip themselves against the fast growing disease.
Other dignitaries who attended the function included heads of departments, NSACS officials, PNP+, CPO members and its president, Yesonu Veyie, CSU members and its president, Mutsivoyi Kotso among others. The campaign was attended by approximately 1,500 people from different parts of the districts comprising of VCCs, VDBs, presidents and office bearers of various NGOs from the village.
Earlier a welcome note was delivered by Mikha Lomi, Deputy Commissioner of Phek. Besides, Dr. Venito, LFA-UNAIDS, and Dr. R Rose, consultant, SCT, NSACS, also spoke on the occasion, while vote of thanks was tendered by Kupota Khesoh, chairperson of the Phek Town Council. This was followed by an interactive session.
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