Kohima, June 17 (MExN): The Nagaland Branch of the Family Planning Association of India organized an evening of get-together here on Saturday at Hotel Japfu for ‘Sharing Experience’ on the lessons learned from Japan Trust Fund Project undertaken by the branch for “Addressing Sexual Reproductive Health needs of IDUs and their Sexual Partners for HIV/AIDS Prevention”
“The Japan Trust Fund is a very special and prestigious pilot project taken up by Nagaland Branch and for this, I am extremely grateful to the headquarter for allowing us to carry out the project, this indeed carries more relevance and meaning due to the fact that Nagaland is amongst the sixth high prevalence region with regard to HIV besides been a haven for drug transit and addiction,” said H Hesso, President, AIC Member, FPA India, Nagaland Branch.
V Vincent Belho, Branch Manager, FPA India, Nagaland Branch said that the project titled ‘Addressing Sexual Reproductive Health needs of IDUs and their Sexual partners for HIV/AIDS prevention’ was started with the goal of “Reduction in the risk taking behavior / practices amongst IDUs & their Sexual Partners” in Kohima town.
“The purpose of the Japan Trust Fund project was to reach out to 300 IDUs and their sexual partners (male & female) in and around Kohima town with comprehensive Sexual Reproductive Health services. (Including clean needles and syringes),” he said.
Belho also stated that the Japan Trust Fund project would not have seen the light of the day had it not been for the unconditional willingness and encouragement to support the endeavor of Family Planning Association of India, Nagaland Branch by both Kripa Foundation Nagaland and Nagaland Users Network.
The Japan Trust Fund project is a pilot project undertaken only in Nagaland with an aim to provide Sexual Reproductive Health services to IDUs clients and their Sexual Partners for HIV prevention. SRH is a complex term and encompasses a wide range of issues, the Branch manager added.
“Unlike in the late 1980s and early 1990s HIV has spread to general public today. Therefore any person is at risk of getting infected through unprotected sex. That is why JTF project on Sexual Reproductive Health is the most novel of its kind. This work should be sustained and duplicated with greater efficiency and resources. The days are gone when people used to call HIV as a disease of drug addicts. If at all, at present times I would rather call it a diseases of carelessness,” said Dr Dietho Koza, consultant, JTF project, FPA India, Nagaland Branch while sharing his observation.
Working at Family Planning Association of India, particularly the Japan Trust Fund Project has been a blessing personally, said Chuchung, Outreach Worker, JTF Project, adding that “The works and programs, the trainings and the encouragements, all have helped me strive harder towards sobriety and healthy positive living.”
Sunep Jamir, Client, JTF Project, Renu Imchen, Client, JTF Project and Ilato Kiba, Outreach worker JTF Project also shared their experiences at the function.
The programme was chaired by Nenchulo Woch, hony, Secretary, FPA India, Nagaland Branch while vote of thanks was tendered by Aketo Shohe, Accounts Officer, FPA India, Nagaland Branch.
The programme was also marked by screening video clippings of JTF project and concluded with a buffet dinner.
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