DC Wokha Vineet Kumar, IAS along with officials and others during the launching of Integrated Health Campaign in Wokha district on June 26. (DIPR Photo)
NSACS intensifies HIV detection efforts through Integrated Health Campaign
WOKHA, JUNE 26 (MExN): National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) officially launched the Integrated Health Campaign in Wokha district at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall on June 26.
The campaign aims to enhance awareness, improve early testing, and ensure timely treatment of HIV and other health concerns among the general population, stated a DIPR report. The Integrated Health Campaign is expected to make a significant impact in Wokha district by improving early detection rates and promoting a healthier and more informed community, it added.
Project Director of NSACS, Dr Ahu Sekhose, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized India’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of eliminating HIV & AIDS by 2030 and spoke about collaborative efforts being made by various organizations toward this mission.
Dr Sekhose also elaborated on the “95-95-95” Campaign, which strives to achieve 95 percent HIV testing coverage through the IHC. While the state of Nagaland has reached 85 percent coverage, Wokha remains significantly behind at 24 percent—prompting the focused launch of this campaign in the district.
He stressed that over 90 percent of HIV transmissions occur through sexual contact, and reiterated the importance of awareness, accessible testing, and follow-up treatment. In addition to HIV testing, the campaign will also screen for blood pressure, tuberculosis, and other common health conditions. He appealed for active cooperation from community-based organizations and village leaders to ensure the campaign’s success.
Earlier, Wokha Deputy Commissioner, Vineet Kumar, IAS, in his address, highlighted the concerning prevalence of HIV in Nagaland and noted the need for urgent and collective intervention. He emphasised the rising rate of infection shared concern on psychological barriers and fears that prevent people from seeking timely testing. Calling for proactive community involvement, he urged civil society organizations and local leaders to mobilize citizens and encourage early testing and access to available treatment services.
A detailed presentation was made by Joint Director, H&FW and State Nodal Officer for IHC, Dr MC Longai Phom. He identified 14–49 age group as the most vulnerable and impacted demographic—also the most economically and socially productive age range.
He shared district-level HIV positivity trends over the past four years, underscoring the importance of continued awareness and healthcare outreach. Dr Phom also highlighted both the main and extended campaign sites designated for targeted testing and service coverage.
District AIDS Control Officer, Dr Akum Jamir, delivered the welcome address. He acknowledged the efforts behind the campaign and introduced the core objective of making testing kits and medical services readily available, and accessible to the general population. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by District Programme Officer, Lichumo Odyuo, who appreciated the contributions of all stakeholders. The event was chaired by Counsellor, CITYBARN Wokha, Senchano Patton.
