Dimapur, Dec 1 (MExN): Nitoshe, a counselor from Prodigals’ Home (PH) warned that “Keep AIDS: Stop the Promise” would be the situation if we do not stand together or support each other in combating the menace of HIV/AIDS while the need to ‘be educated and educate’ was the keynote in the speeches delivered by various individuals at a simple function marking World AIDS Day held today at Dhansiripar, Dimapur.
Rose I. Jamir, Joint Secretary Planning, the chief Guest of the function jointly organized by DDACC, PH, and Office of the SDO Dhansiripar, while lauding the efforts of various NGOs in combating HIV/AIDS also appealed for co-operation from all quarters.
‘Education is our most important weapon against AIDS’, stressed Rebecca, Medical officer Dhansiripar civil hospital, speaking as Guest of Honor while enlightening the gathering about HIV/AIDS and its misconceptions. A Dimapur District AIDS Control Committee member stressed the need to work collectively to ostracize HIV/AIDS and not those affected.
While appreciating the response of the public, the organizers’ voiced ire against the Village Council members, and Elders of Dhansiripar’s ‘attitude of indifference’, amplified by their absence, save a few at the function. “When Elders and leaders are not interested in leading the way what can we expect others to do?” the organizers’ questioned.
A speech competition entitled “Role of Youth in combating AIDS” was the function’s highlight which tested the knowledge and skills of the student competitors’ from Shalom Mission School, Dhansiripar and Little daffodils, Doyapur.
“Stop AIDS through education and awareness” echoed in the speeches of the students. Jamir, giving away the prizes to the winners, encouraged them to become ‘role models’. The programme also witnessed the presentation of songs by various groups and some short voluntary speeches. Arenla, SDO Dhansiripar, concluded the formal programme with a vote of thanks which was followed by light refreshment. Earlier, Jamir, Rebecca and Arenla were presented with ‘bouquets of strawberries’ made by the residents of PH’s Women Short Stay Home.
