Nagaland gets US support in fight against AIDS

Morung Express News
Dimapur| November 30 

On the eve of World AIDS Day, representative of US Consulate General Kolkata lauded the efforts of N Naga DAO (The Network of Nagaland Drug and HIV/AIDS Organizations) in bringing down the rate of intravenous drug users (IDU) from 34% to 1.5%.  Moulik D Berkana, Deputy Director of American Centre, viewed both HIV/AIDS and substance abuse as a major health challenge which requires an organized and thoughtful response from the healthcare community, and said it is inspiring to see so many organizations that work for such cause. Pointing out there are only two possible responses to looking at the issue, Berkana said, “We can either turn our eyes away in resignation and despair, or we can take decisive, historic action to turn the tide against this disease.” He said with firmness and conviction that substance abuse can be fought, and that “faith groups, teachers, and NGOs can work together to help build safe communities by helping victims of substance abuse”.

He said America is committed in the fight against AIDS and it leads the world in its level of support for HIV/AIDS relief. In partnership with several organizations across the globe, the American government is supporting more than two million people already infected with the disease, he informed. In Dimapur, the US government has initiated a community home based care and support programme for people living with HIV/AIDS, Berkana informed, and Project Concern International and their local partner Akimbo Society, Dimapur is being supported under such programmes he added. The support services which includes Anti Retro Vital Therapy, counseling and HIV testing facilities, is giving care to more than 500 PLHAs. 

The US Consulate is also partnering with the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society and Naga Mothers Association to set-up a special AIDS pavilion at the Hornbill Festival where photo exhibit of courageous people is up for display. At the pavilion, he informed, will also be a series of film screenings and small group discussion.