Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 5
Expressing deep concern over the prevailing HIV/AIDS scenario in Nagaland, the Legislators’ Forum on AIDS (LFA) Nagaland today sought the support of the media houses in combating the pandemic by way of spreading correct message to the masses.
“We feel press should do more,” said minister for health & family welfare Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu and at the same time recognized the contribution and role of media in its effort to combat HIV/AIDS.
Addressing a press conference here at Hotel Cimorb, the minister said that fund alone or awareness programmes will not help and called for wider coverage of the activities and preventive measures on HIV/AIDS through the media. HIV/AIDS is not health issue alone but it also affects the socio-economic and developmental activities, he said and sought media house to join the forces of LFA and other organizations associated with HIV/AIDS in the state.
The minister said all the 60 MLAs in Nagaland irrespective of political affiliation have shown concern and political will towards the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the state. Azo asserted that LFA-Nagaland is doing extremely well and its efforts and advocacy programmes has been well received by NACO and UNAIDS.
Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) deputy speaker Ralanthung Yanthan also subscribed media as powerful weapon to disseminate information on HIV/AIDS to the masses and called upon them to continue to play important role towards this end.
LFA which became fully functional in 2007 has generated a significant political support in the response of HIV prevention in the state. During the course of deliberation, the media fraternity suggested for setting up of an independent body to access the actual prevailing scenario of HIV/AIDS in the state and prepare case study.
MLAs Dr. Nicky Kire, Deo Nukhu and Vikho-o Yhoshu, Dr. Vinito L. Chishi, state coordinator LFA- Nagaland, K.V. Nurumi, president Kohima Press Club were also present at the press meet.
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