Kaisa Rio leads other participants during the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial held at Kohima on Sunday.
Kohima | May 15 : Nagaland along with the rest of the world today observed International AIDS Candlelight Memorial under the theme “Touching Lives” and paid respect to those who passed away. Nagaland has lost 542 precious lives to HIV since 1994. Observing the service here at the State Academy Hall this evening, Kaisa Rio, lady wife of Chief Minister and president NWVA said that HIV has indeed touched everyone directly or indirectly. It has left widows, orphans and many have been left without brothers and sisters. It has made some of us physically and emotionally weak.
She also informed that she was encouraged to meet HIV positive people who are strong and healthy, a role model to even those who are not infected with HIV. “They are capable and efficient persons, very health conscious, burning with passion and commitment to serve the people and to improve the lives of others.
Admitting her involvement for the cause of HIV is minimal, she however said HIV has been very close to her heart and vowed to play a more active role to reach out for the cause, knowing the urgency of the issue. Acknowledging the churches who have taken the burden to create awareness among the congregations and also helping those who are infected, specially the Catholic churches, she said “This great task of breaking down barriers and bringing about greater awareness on HIV and AIDS is a collective responsibility.”
She also made a sincere request to all parents and family members of HIV infected people to support and encourage them to avail the services that are provided to them and at the same time stressed on the need to take counseling very seriously.
Also stating that she was encouraged to have met some of the dynamic HIV positive people who have disclosed their status and are working for others and learnt much from them, she also said “It is our prayer that the HIV positive people grow from strength to strength as you motivate and inspire more HIV positive people to be sincere, committed and hardworking so that they live life to the fullest, with respect and dignity.” Commissioner and Secretary for Health & Family Welfare Menukhol John also spoke on the occasion and called upon the people to work collectively and reverse the spread of HIV prevalence in the state.
He also challenged each and every individual to show care and love to those affected people and remove sigma and discrimination. Abou Mere, president IDUF and Ranging from KNP+ also spoke on the occasion. The programme was organised by NNP+ in collaboration with partner NGOs supported by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society.
She also informed that she was encouraged to meet HIV positive people who are strong and healthy, a role model to even those who are not infected with HIV. “They are capable and efficient persons, very health conscious, burning with passion and commitment to serve the people and to improve the lives of others.
Admitting her involvement for the cause of HIV is minimal, she however said HIV has been very close to her heart and vowed to play a more active role to reach out for the cause, knowing the urgency of the issue. Acknowledging the churches who have taken the burden to create awareness among the congregations and also helping those who are infected, specially the Catholic churches, she said “This great task of breaking down barriers and bringing about greater awareness on HIV and AIDS is a collective responsibility.”
She also made a sincere request to all parents and family members of HIV infected people to support and encourage them to avail the services that are provided to them and at the same time stressed on the need to take counseling very seriously.
Also stating that she was encouraged to have met some of the dynamic HIV positive people who have disclosed their status and are working for others and learnt much from them, she also said “It is our prayer that the HIV positive people grow from strength to strength as you motivate and inspire more HIV positive people to be sincere, committed and hardworking so that they live life to the fullest, with respect and dignity.” Commissioner and Secretary for Health & Family Welfare Menukhol John also spoke on the occasion and called upon the people to work collectively and reverse the spread of HIV prevalence in the state.
He also challenged each and every individual to show care and love to those affected people and remove sigma and discrimination. Abou Mere, president IDUF and Ranging from KNP+ also spoke on the occasion. The programme was organised by NNP+ in collaboration with partner NGOs supported by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society.
