People light candles at the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial service in Mon on May 19.
Mon, May 20 (MExN): The Mon District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) in collaboration with co-partners, and supported by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) observed the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial at Konyak Baptist Church Mon under the theme “In Solidarity” on May 19.
A press note informed that the guest speaker, Dr.Hoito, Dy. CMO and DACO, Mon, in his speech, mentioned that the day was observed not just as a day to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to HIV, but an opportunity to mobilize community for creating awareness on HIV. He further called upon all the sections of the society to stand together to promote accessible quality treatment, free HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and to protect the rights of people living with HIV.
Longyim Tzudir, DPO, DAPCU, Mon addressed the key note while Sashi representing Evergreen Welfare Society as well as Mon Users' Network, and Latwang from Youth Department, KBCM pledged to spread the message on HIV prevention and to create safe environment for people living with HIV, it added.
Mokokchung: Mokokchung observed 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial under the theme “In Solidarity” at NMP+ conference hall on may 19. The programme was hosted by NMP+ in collaboration with DAPCU under the sponsorship of NSACS. At the service, Toshi Sangpi President NMP+ presented the key note address. In his message he shared the concept of the memorial service and the need of solidarity from every section of the society to curb the pandemic.
The guest speaker Dr Kilang, MO, Mongsenyimti expressed that there are many societies around us but the most vital is the society that is battling for the cause of HIV. “Today our society has been radically affected by the HIV virus. Ignorance on HIV has created discrimination,” he said adding, “I feel normal with HIV but many do not and to create this normalcy we need to educate.” Dr Kilang emphasized on standing united and taking on the fight. “Hope leads us towards our goal and for achieving it we need to have a positive hope for tomorrow.”
Later, Dr Amenla MO, ARTC IMDH, shared her joy on seeing couples cooperatively attending the program and challenged them to be supportive with one another and to encourage the other PLHAs to join hand in this fight.
