(4th from left) Editor of Nagaland Post, Geoffrey Yaden with others during the 28th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service held at Dimapur on May 15. (Pradeep pareek)
Dimapur, May 15 (MExN): Dimapur Network of Positive people (DNP+) today organised a programme to commemorate the 28th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service. The Candlelight Memorial Event coordinated by the Global Network of People living with HIV is one of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV and AIDS awareness in the world. The service held at IMC Hall was attended by well wishers, members of different NGOs and churches. Editor of Nagaland Post, Geoffrey Yaden was the chief guest.
Yaden stressed on a greater role of the church needed in the fight against AIDS. He said the church must not just proclaim but show empathy towards people living with HIV and AIDS. He said that people effected by HIV and AIDS can become spiritually strong only if the church exhibits love and care towards them.
Yaden said further that DNP+ and other sister networks have been highlighting the need for treatments that are available in other states, and urged the government to reciprocate to the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS in Nagaland. He said that they are facing numerous difficulties urged better treatment and facilities. He encouraged the DNP+ to interact more often with the media so that their issues can be brought to the forefront.
Dimapur Naga Women Hoho President, Hukheli Wotsa also expressed solidarity on behalf of all Naga mothers. She said in the past many victims of AIDS have died of shame. But with the hard work and efforts of NGOs, churches and other organisations working for AIDS, more infected people are freeing themselves from stigma and discrimination. She further pledged support and prayer to the people living with HIV and AIDS.
The event was market by lighting of candles to pay tribute to those people who have lost their lives to AIDS. The Candlelight Memorial started in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May and is led by a coalition of some 1,200 community organizations in 115 countries hosting local memorials to honor the lives lost and raise social consciousness about HIV. The Candlelight is also much more than just a memorial. It provides opportunities for leadership development, policy advocacy, partnerships, and improvement of community mobilization skills. With 33 million people living with HIV today, the Candlelight continues to serve as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers, and giving hope to new generations.
Yaden stressed on a greater role of the church needed in the fight against AIDS. He said the church must not just proclaim but show empathy towards people living with HIV and AIDS. He said that people effected by HIV and AIDS can become spiritually strong only if the church exhibits love and care towards them.
Yaden said further that DNP+ and other sister networks have been highlighting the need for treatments that are available in other states, and urged the government to reciprocate to the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS in Nagaland. He said that they are facing numerous difficulties urged better treatment and facilities. He encouraged the DNP+ to interact more often with the media so that their issues can be brought to the forefront.
Dimapur Naga Women Hoho President, Hukheli Wotsa also expressed solidarity on behalf of all Naga mothers. She said in the past many victims of AIDS have died of shame. But with the hard work and efforts of NGOs, churches and other organisations working for AIDS, more infected people are freeing themselves from stigma and discrimination. She further pledged support and prayer to the people living with HIV and AIDS.
The event was market by lighting of candles to pay tribute to those people who have lost their lives to AIDS. The Candlelight Memorial started in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May and is led by a coalition of some 1,200 community organizations in 115 countries hosting local memorials to honor the lives lost and raise social consciousness about HIV. The Candlelight is also much more than just a memorial. It provides opportunities for leadership development, policy advocacy, partnerships, and improvement of community mobilization skills. With 33 million people living with HIV today, the Candlelight continues to serve as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers, and giving hope to new generations.
