Kohima, December 1 (MExN): Along with the rest of the world, World AIDS Day was observed today across the state under the theme “Hands up for #HIV Prevention.”
Kohima: In the state capital, World AIDS Day was celebrated at main arena, Naga Heritage village, Kisama with Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang as the chief guest. The event was organized by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).
During the programme, NSACS highlighted that 1.96 lakh new HIV infections were reported in 2015 and as per recent HIV estimation report, National adult HIV prevalence in India is estimated at 0.26%. Nagaland has 1.29% of estimated adult HIV prevalence.
NSACS also called upon the people worldwide to invite in the fight against HIV and also to commemorate those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.
The Chief Minister released balloons to commemorate the observance of World AIDS Day. A pledge in support of HIV/AIDS was observed during the programme.
Longleng: In Longleng, the Chief Medical Officer Office observed the day with a function at Yingli College under the theme ‘Hands up for #HIV Prevention.’
The programme was chaired by Dr Henshet Phom, Vice Principal Yingli College, while the lightning of the candles and prayer was said by Dr Toli Achumi. The keynote speaker for the programme was Dr Ritu Thurr, Chief Medical Officer, Longleng district. Dr Ritu Thurr presented a power point presentation on the topic ‘scenario of HIV/AIDS’ where he spoke on the history of AIDS, how it spreads its prevention, its awareness, and how one should care and support an HIV affected person.
Dr Satuo Mezhu, Senior Medical Officer, District Hospital delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was attended by the college students and staffs from Chief Medical Office, Longleng.
Zunheboto: The 29th World AIDS Day was commemorated at Old Town Prayer Fellowship, Zunheboto with Senior Medicine Specialist, District Hospital, Zunheboto, Dr. Akaho Awomi was the resource person for the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Akaho said Nagaland state has the highest prevalence rate of HIV in India and approximately 300 persons are dying due to the said disease in Nagaland every year. Exhorting the gathering not to discriminate people living with HIV/AIDS, he urged the gathering to encourage and support the victims.
District Program Officer (DPO), DACPU, Atokali Assumi in her keynote address gave a brief statistics of the present scenario of HIV/AIDS in the state and the district. The programme was organized by DAPCU, Zunheboto in collaboration with NZP+ and HIV and AIDS Facilities.
Peren: Peren District observed world AIDS Day at Peren Town where speaking on the theme, Albert Vice Principal Peren Government College shared that the people need to be serious and come together to eliminate the disease. He shared that HIV is not only infected to certain group of people but to everyone.
The programme was chaired by Rovi Mor DPO DAPCU, Rev Father Mhonchumo Phillip Ovung invoked God’s presence, significance of the day was shared by Thonjiliu Pameai, Peren district 2016.
NPDP+ shared the positive sharing, various Artists from Peren district like Fiona, keyipeisile, Ichubuing and Peren District Music Society present various songs on the occasion and vote of thanks by Ngauzeulungbe DIS Peren.
It was organised by District Aids Prevention Control Unit Peren in collaboration with Peren district Music society, Peren Town Youth organisation and Red Ribbon Club Peren Govt College.
Sumi Village: As part of perception management programme on the occasion of world AIDS Day a lecture on AIDS awareness was conducted by ‘B’ Company 9 Assam Rifles at Sumi Village on December 1. A press note stated that the AIDS awareness lecture was conducted in collaboration with a NGO (Development Association of Nagaland). During the lecture a healthy interaction was done with the villagers about the menace of AIDS and its ill effects. The villagers were informed about the measures to be taken to prevent spread of this disease.
The lecture facilitated understanding about the AIDS and villagers appreciated the Assam Rifles and the NGO for the conduct of such, educational lecture. At the end of the lecture the villagers pledged on the occasion of world AIDS Day that they will carry forward the knowledge and awareness obtained about AIDS from the lecture to each and every member of the village.
Kiphire: In Kiphire District, the day was observed with a function at Sumi Baptist Church (Aizuto) Kiphire The programme was organized by DAPCU in collaboration with Red Ribbon Club and sponsored by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society under the theme "Hands up for HIV prevention."
Speaking on the occasion, the District Supervisor ICTC TL Khiantsumong stated that the significance of observing the day was to "globally show our support for those people living with HIV/AIDS." He further spoke on the importance of proper education and sensitization right from the grassroot level and added that this day provided an opportunity to show our support and solidarity to those living with HIV.
Tsiatsuvi (DPO, DAPCU) gave an insight on the district scenario and stated that approximately 40-45 individuals are tested for HIV monthly. According to the statistics given by her, during April-September 2016, 512 males and 325 females were tested for HIV out of which 17 males and 10 females tested positive. She elaborated on the risk factors and said that individuals under the age group of 25-34 fall under the high risk group and is the most vulnerable age group. She mentioned the facilities like ICTC and ART which helps to prevent the growth of the virus so that one can live longer, healthier life and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Khupai who has been undergoing ART treatment for 6 years bravely shared her experience and urged those living with HIV to not "stigmatize oneself." She said that once she opened up, she received love and support from her family and friends, and was not discriminated as she had feared. She spoke on the importance of support received during such times as without it, one may be affected mentally.
Solidarity message was given by Dr. Purna Chandra Mishra (VP, Zisaji Presidency College) and. Ariba (Pastor, New Life Prayer Home) who requested that spreading of awareness right from our homes should be made a common agenda and not to discriminate those infected with the virus.
As the chief guest, Rezulule (Addl. SP Kiphire) said that HIV/AIDS infects a person at the peak of their productive and income generating phase which affects the society at large. She urged that one can contribute to the society by taking care of one's lifestyle which will go a long way in HIV prevention and requested that we educate one another to work towards an HIV/AIDS free society. A special number was also presented by members of Red Ribbon Club of Zisaji Presidency College.
