HIV prevalence in Nagaland 'very scary'

A band on stage during the 9th edition of Multimedia Campaign 2019 – ‘Creating HIV awareness through music’ held at Town Hall, Dimapur on November 15. (Morung Photo) 

80-90% of HIV positive detected from Dimapur
 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 15

The 9th edition of Multimedia Campaign 2019 – ‘Creating HIV awareness through music’ took place at Town Hall, Dimapur on November 15. 

Held under the theme, “Know your HIV status, get tested and treated,” it was organised by District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), Dimapur under Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS). 

Dr T Panjung Sangtam, Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur the guest speaker said that 80-90 percent of HIV positive is detected from Dimapur alone. From the month of April to September, among 3625 persons tested, 445 was tested positive.

Dr Sangtam stressed that it was critical to create awareness among young people, “Young people are the highest in number. We should reach out to the young people.” He said that he was not speaking of those people who are above 15. “We are talking about young people who are growing up - adolescents.”

Dr Sangtam highlighted on the need to create more awareness to this young group of people. He highlighted on the new narrative of national level strategy - 90:90:90.

That by 2020, 90 percent of people will know their status; 90 percent of diagnosed persons will receive ART; 90 percent of infected persons receiving ART will have virus suppression.  “Towards this end, we will work hard towards this success,” Dr Sangtam added. 

Ainato, AD in-charge, STM, NSACS in his keynote address said that the campaign started in 2009. While NSACS is not a music department, “we felt that through music, will be able to create awareness among the youth,” Ainato said. 

From Dimapur district, only two bands participated. Ainato acknowledged the two band members saying, “Music is a great platform which connects people, and you’re all a superstar in your own way.” He urged them to create awareness among their fans and groups.

Dr Hotoka Hesso, Senior Medical Officer (SMO) in his message on 'HIV/AIDS, youths and music' said it was an opportunity to share 'secrets' on HIV/AIDS. “If you don't know what HIV is, then it can be ignorance for you. You may die because of ignorance. If you know the truth and facts of HIV, you can save yourself and someone close to you,” said Dr Hesso and challenged the youth to be the change in the society.

Highlighting that Nagaland is in the 3rd position in HIV prevalence in India, he said that it was “very scary” to have such high numbers in a very small population. Most of them are between 15-35 years, with 50% of HIV positive from Dimapur. 

Maintaining that the Department of NSACS are monitoring each and every day, he told the gathering that the figures are of actual real persons "like you and me.” “They are getting infected day by day. We have to protect them and in turn protect ourselves,” asserted Dr Hesso. Reiterating that the percentage of HIV positive is at a very high level, Dr Hesso said early detection and early treatment can save someone's life.

Dr Hesso said that the treatment for HIV is ART (ANTI RETROVIRAL THERAPY) which can be availed from district hospitals and NSACS. 

19,500 persons are registered in Nagaland and at present 9,246 are alive and on treatment.

Dr Hesso also said that young girls are getting infected more than young boys. Stating that HIV was spread through four main routes -  unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing of infected needles and syringes,  infected mother to child and lastly, infected blood and blood products. 

Stating that HIV affects the immune system, and if not treated with ART, within 10 years, it progresses into full blown AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). 

Dr Hesso urged the students present to lead a healthy life and abstain from pre-marital sex and turn from Alcohol and drug abuse. 

Further lauding the musicians, he encouraged them to bring awareness and bring change in the society by living a healthy life. “If music is not teaching you self discipline, then you do not love music.”

Meanwhile, two bands who were participated were ‘Two Fingers’ and ‘Paradigm Shift.’ They will be heading straight to the finals which will be held on November 26 in Kohima.  The district zonal audition was held in Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung. 

Members from ‘Two Fingers’ band gave a message saying the youngsters need to be very careful in this generation. “This life is precious and we should play it safe.”

While ‘Paradigm Shift’ also expressed happiness and said that music is a “very powerful tool.” The band sent a message to all the youth to strive towards living a positive life.

The winners from Nagaland will compete in the Northeast multimedia campaign in Manipur to be held in December. 
The youth who attended also had a chance to get themselves tested for HIV.