People light candles during the 41st International AIDS Candlelight held at St Joseph College (SJC), Jakhama on May 19.
Jakhama, May 20 (MExN): The state level programme of the 41st International AIDS Candlelight, memorial under the theme ‘Together we remember, together we heal, through love and solidarity’ was held at St Joseph College (SJC), Jakhama along with hundreds of students and well wishers on May 19.
The programme was observed to serve as a global initiative to honour the lives loss to AIDS and to show support for people living with HIV and AIDS. It was supported by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) and in collaboration with various partners including NNP+, KNP+, ARK Foundation, FPA India and Red Ribbon Club of SJC, Jakhama, stated a press release issued by Shanchobeni N Shitiri Program Coordinator ARK Foundation, Kohima.
During the programme, Lanu, President, NNP+ spoke on the significance of the event. He mentioned the event as a unique initiative which promotes discussion, education and action around HIV and AIDs. “The day marks an important landmark to remember our comrades who had lost their life to HIV and AIDs,” he said while expressing his gratitude to people who have fought for the cause of HIV.
Mentioning about expression of solidarity, he called upon the congregation to continue supporting the community of people living with HIV and AIDs and also to uphold the significance of the day which is to remember, to heal through love and solidarity.
Moasangla, Additional Director (GIPA), NSACS speaking on the theme emphasised upon the need to overcome social stigma and promote love. ‘Stigma and discrimination still exist and the concern to address it is still a challenge. Therefore, there is still a greater need to express solidarity, sympathy and compassion towards people living with HIV, while also calling upon the Youth to embrace HIV with love and care,’ she stated.
She also informed about the National Toll Free helpline number 1097, through which any queries/ information relating to HIV can be availed. This Toll Free number is primarily to provide any information about HIV and counseling.
Vizotuolie Kuotsu, District ICTC supervisor for DISHA/DAPCU, shared the latest HIV statistics in Nagaland, noting that Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur have the highest adult HIV prevalence in India according to the 2022 NACO estimation and stressed upon the need for a sustained effort to address this critical health issue. He presented some HIV scenario where the case detected was highest in Dimapur with 1132, followed by Kohima 278, from April 23-March 24.
Solidarity message was also delivered by Dr Sr Ranit, Vice Principal of Academic Affairs at SJC. She called for the need of an unwavering support towards those living with HIV, to acknowledge the progress in treatment and prevention and also the need for a persistent effort to address the challenges posed by stigma and discrimination. “As this hinders access to necessary care and support,” she added while encouraging the congregation to renew their commitment to educate and create awareness on HIV.
Speaking on the response to HIV, Ketho Angami, President ARK Foundation lamented about the unfortunate death occurrence of people who are continuingly dying of a manageable disease. Despite the response, collective effort and support, “overcoming the barrier of stigma and discrimination is still a challenge,” said Angami.
He noted the high incidence of HIV in Nagaland and urged serious consideration of the issue, stressing that more progress is required to meet the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. “The progress made so far and the scenario is bleak, as new HIV detection is reported daily while also preventable deaths continue to get reported,” he stated.
Citing the importance of the event he also remembered the activist, advocates and community leaders for their leadership in making treatment for HIV a reality. Today, the ARVs do not claim a cure, but the treatment is as good as cure which can be considered as ‘Functionally cured.’
Prof Limatemjen, Dean of Sciences at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma highlighted the Memorial Day which is observed every year to honor the lives lost to HIV and AIDS and to collectively address the ongoing challenges in the fight against the epidemic. “As we honor those we have lost, let us renew our commitment to a future where everyone, regardless of HIV status, can live with dignity, equality and hope,” he stated.
The programme included a special musical performance by Vitsonino and her group. The event concluded with a collective call to renew commitment to education, awareness and solidarity in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
