Karaiba Chawang
Kohima | November 12
The Nagaland Legislative Forum on HIV/AIDS, which held its annual general meeting today, agreed to give a more concerted and renewed effort to fight the menace of HIV/AIDS in the State.
Though most of legislators failed to attend, the meeting decided not only to combat AIDS on war footing, but to draw up plans for a continuous and sustainable programme.
The meeting had a deliberation on LFA workplan approval, contributions of fund by legislators, maintenance of accounts, review constitution of executive committee and formation of a state AIDS council.
It decided to rechristen the core committee on AIDS as ‘State AIDS Council’ with all ministers and parliamentary secretaries as members and will be chaired by the Chief Minister. The council will oversee the State response to HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The meeting also consented that all legislators will contribute 15% from the LADF to the general pool fund of the legislator’s forum on HIV/AIDS. The legislators’ forum also received Rs 25 Lakhs from UNAIDS to kick start the programme. LFA has set up an office at the new assembly building, with one consultant and an office assistant.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who addressed the meeting urged the legislators to mount a concerted battle with renewed vigour against HIV/AIDS in the state.
Rio said that the State could stabilize the trend, but nowhere near checking the epidemic.
He said the problem of HIV/AIDS is not one that can be solved as an ailment by the Health & Family Welfare department, but the fight is for each and every individual, NGOs, churches etc cutting across all sections of society.
A time has come for legislators to put their heads together, and to step forward with better plan of action that will help the people to fight HIV/AIDS epidemic on war footing, Rio said adding that though the state was witnessing development on many fronts, many Naga families are being affected not only physically, but also socially and economically due to this disease. “Let us, therefore, be practical in our approach so that preventive education as well care and support for the infected and effected is not found wanting in our state”, Rio said.
“We should make the people aware that even if one is tested positive, one can still lead a positive life. Let us encourage those infected to avail timely treatment. Let us strife to work towards a nil mother-to-child transmission. Let us fight for removal of stigma and discrimination attached to it. Let us strife to educate our youths, the most vulnerable segment of our society”, Rio urged the legislators.
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