Dimapur tops with 1822 positive cases
Dimapur, August 28 (MExN): The increasing incidences of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland has become a major concern for the state, and particularly for people involved in the fight against the epidemic.
The current statistics (as on July 2009) shows that the number of infections of HIV has risen with 8369 people testing positive in Nagaland. The 1.20% of the population living with HIV takes the state to the six highest prevalence-rated states in India and categorized as ‘high prevalence state.’ With the issue confronting key stakeholders of the state, the Network of Positive People in Nagaland, the Legislators Forum on AIDS and UNAIDS, took out an advocacy campaign today in Dimapur with civil society based organizations and the church among others.
Throwing light on the issue, state coordinator of LFA-UNAIDS Dr. Vinito Chishi said all efforts must be put in to bring down the prevalence rate below 1%. He asserted that more advocacies are needed in the rural areas of the state. The official called for grater participation of legislators in reaching out to the rural people. He also said more monitoring has to be done in the urban areas, especially Dimapur which has a very large floating population.
Currently, Dimapur has the highest number of people living with HIV in the state with 1822 positive cases and 25% of the total population. A state which has seen 499 AIDS-related deaths, the numbers spell more trouble due to ignorance which still prevails among the people.
The NNP+ and UNAIDS together with the legislators’ forum sought to promote a supportive environment through social mobilization and sensitization about HIV. Overcoming stigma and discrimination was also highlighted. The campaign urged more dialogue with the community, pointing out that ‘shame’ has prevented many positive people from seeking anti-retroviral treatment. The campaign also sought to mobilize care and treatment from the government and community through various programmes and projects.
The legislators’ forum joined the campaign with MLAs SI Jamir and I Imkong assuring commitment of political leaders in the fight against AIDS. Both Jamir and Imkong pledged more support and intervention in their own capacities. The basic objective of the advocacy being to educate the masses, the stakeholders advocated the use of condoms to prevent HIV. “Let us not be hypocrites anymore,” I Imkong said and urged the church to be more responsible and open in addressing the issue.
