Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 1
In an ironic twist, HIV infection in Nagaland seems to show a reverse trend as indicated in the 2017 statistics of HIV infection in the state.
Out of the estimated 21,000-22,000 people living with HIV in Nagaland, as per statistics the new HIV infection in 2017 stood between 1,300 and 1,588, with 60 to 70 new infections reported every month in Dimapur alone. While HIV infection among commercial sex workers, MSM and drug users have shown a steady decline due to active targeted intervention programmes of the government, NGOs and other stakeholders, the 2017 statistics has thrown up another area of concern.
“These reflect, HIV is rapidly increasing among the general population, the so-called safe population, which is a big threat to our generation”, said Dr. Tokugha Yepthomi, senior medical consultant, Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR), Dimapur.
Addressing the 30th anniversary observation of World AIDS Day at District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) as guest speaker, Dr. Yepthomi also disclosed that 91 percent of HIV transmission in Nagaland is routed through unsafe sex.
“All the more reason, it’s high time we should voluntarily come out and do the HIV test and know your status. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether you have HIV. You may look and feel pretty healthy and still have HIV. The only way to know is to get tested”, he said.
The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day is “Know your status.”
Yepthomi said early detection is of outmost importance as it equips one with knowledge and open avenues to protect oneself, family members and loved ones and also empowers people to make choices on HIV prevention. He also said HIV testing is essential for expanding treatment and achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, that is 90 percent of all people living with HIV would know their status, 90 percent diagnosed with HIV would receive/sustain their ART, and 90 percent of people receiving ART would have “viral repression.”
He further stressed on the need for government commitment at the highest level to combat HIV and for leaders, NGOs and other stakeholders to provide necessary resources and to continue their sustained efforts to reduce stigma against those infected and affected.
Chief medical officer, Dimapur, Dr. Dr. Vikato Kinimi, and representatives from the Lions Club Dimapur (Blue Vanda), Jain community and Muslim community, also spoke on the occasion.
The event was organized by District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU) in collaboration with district level network and partner NGOs and supported by NSACS.
Earlier, DPO, DAPCU, Mecievinuo delivered welcome address, PO, NETSU, Anna Hairang dwelled on the theme “Know your status” and a member of PLHIV also shared her concern of PLHIVs. The gathering also observed a minute prayer in memory of those who fall victims to HIV/AIDS.
