Officers and staff of horticulture department and others during the advocacy programme on HIV/AIDS held on February 11.
Kohima: An advocacy programme on HIV/AIDS for the officers and staff of horticulture department was held on February 11 at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima. Total 70 participants from the directorate and across the state attended the programme. NSACS conducted the programme with the main objective to help the PLHIV community through schemes and programme available within the department of horticulture.
Dr. L Watikala, Joint Director, NSACS in her address highlighted on mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS with government departments and thanked the horticulture department for showing their desire to help the people living with HIV/AIDS.
Dr. RE Lotha, Deputy Director, Horticulture, on his address highlighted the desire on the future collaboration between NSACS and horticulture department. He mentioned that horticulture department is “committed to implementing various trainings for the PLHA community which will be of short term income generation activities that will enhance their livelihood.” He appreciated NSACS for conducting and organizing such “a noble and knowledgeable program for the staffs and officers of horticulture department.”
Achumthung Patton shared a short presentation on the mainstreaming activities with government department. This was followed by session on “HIV Scenario in the State” and “Basic of HIV/AIDS & Stigma and Discrimination” by Dr. Rose, State Program Officer HIV/TB, where he highlighted about the alarming rate of HIV/AIDS status in our state through unprotected sex and drug use.
Ayieno Kechu, Deputy Director, (IEC) gave a presentation on the programme, activities and services available under NSACS which was followed by a brief overview on the topic of “Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA) by Tarepnokcha Jamir, GIPA Coordinator, NSACS.
NSACS in a press release extended appreciation to Watienla Jamir, Director Horticulture, Dr. R.E Lotha (Dy Director) and Elluba (Asst Horticulture Officer) for ensuring participation of staff from across the State and for their commitment to train PLHIV on income generation activities to promote livelihood starting with the districts of Dimapur, Tuensang and Kiphire.
