Morung Express News
Kohima | October 28
A one day sensitization & training for DPROs and media officials was held on October 28 at the DIPR conference hall. The program was organised by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).
According to data collected (April-Sept 2016) by NSACS, the age group 25-34 years stands highest in terms of testing positive, with 43% testing “sero positive of general clients.”
It was informed that the cumulative record since 1999 to September 2016 shows that 899158 persons undertook the testing for HIV, out of which 20601 persons were tested positive.
91% of transmission of HIV was through the sexual route while 6% was from parent to child. The percentage of infections caused through blood transfusion was at zero, and 2% was caused through “specified/unknown causes.”
Nagaland stands first in the country when it comes to the general prevalence rate and third in the adult prevalence rate at 0.78%. Since 2004, the total number of people registered for Antiretroviral Treatment (Art) is 14553 and the number of patients who started on ART is 8909. It was also seen that while the estimated number of HIV positive persons has declined, there has been an increase in the estimated need for ART.
Regarding district wise prevalence rate, Kiphire recorded the highest at 2.56% while Longleng recorded 0%. (See Table) Meanwhile, the data also revealed that the estimated annual new infections and the estimated annual AIDS related deaths have also decreased.
“HIV & AIDS is a story of critical importance, and all readers, audiences and viewers deserve full, clear and intelligent coverage,” said Thejagunuo, Deputy Director (IEC), NSACS, who spoke on media ethics and role of media in HIV response. The first step is to equip oneself with the right kind of knowledge about HIV&AIDS because the media has the special role of being the watchdog, offering public service and educating them.
She urged the media to give objective, factual, sensitive and accurate reports through scientific and statistical information. Thejangunuo also appealed the media officials to be sensitive, balanced and responsible while reporting on HIV & AIDS.
She made reference to guidelines of the Press Council of India under the mandate of section 13(2) b of the Press Council Act of 1978, to facilitate the functioning of the media. She informed that some of the incorrect usages of terms were: “HIV/AIDS, AIDS Victims, HIV Virus, deadly disease, AIDS patients, prostitute or commercial sex workers.“
Instead the correct terms to be used are, she stated are “HIV and AIDS (Since HIV is not synonymous with AIDS, ‘HIV/AIDS’ as a term is no longer considered accurate), People Living with HIV & AIDS (PLHA), manageable chronic illness, sex workers, etc.”
Alipoker, Assistant Director (VBD) who shared on the basics of HIV & AIDS; stigma and discrimination affirmed on the need to spread awareness. “HIV is very much among us. And we must join hands to fight it,” Alipoker said. Addressing the programme, Director IPR, Limawati Ao said that media personnel should play a key role in creating awareness and educating the people of the state.
Speaking on the topic of ‘HIV Scenario and Services available in Nagaland’, Deputy Director (M&E), NSACS, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo informed that various facilities are available under NSACS including 54 Integrated Counseling & Testing Center (ICTC), 4 Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT), 10 Mobile ICTC, 8 Blood Transfusion Services (BTS) Care Support & Treatment and other facilities.
Deputy Director (IEC), NSACS, Thejangunuo said that the media plays a very important role in the society and needs to be informed when it comes to reporting on HIV and AIDS. She said HIV& AIDS is a story of critical importance, and all readers/audiences/viewers deserve full, clear and intelligent coverage and advised that media to equip themselves with the right kind of knowledge about HIV&AIDS.
She further advised the media to make photographs, illustrations & cartoons positively and to debunk myths related to prevention of HIV and miracle cures.
She also informed that the national AIDS toll free helpline number: 1097 can be reached at from any land line number or any mobile number for information related to HIV and AIDS.
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