Kohima, June 25 (MExN): The Legislators’ Forum on AIDS has set a target to bring down the HIV/AIDS prevalence-rate from the current 1.2 % to 1 % by the end of this year and is contemplating shifting its focus from the urban population to the rural communities.
In order to achieve this goal, the role of legislators in giving political leadership is very crucial and calls for the personal attention of every legislator, said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in a message read out by Health & Family Welfare Minister Kuzholuzo Nienu. Legislators of the state gathered for the annual general meeting of the Legislators’ Forum on AIDS in the state assembly conference hall here today.
Stressing on the need for a paradigm shift in the mission to prevent HIV infection, by concentrating more on the rural populace, the legislators rationalised that the rural people – being poor, marginalised and ignorant – are a very vulnerable group in need of help and guidance. For this, legislators’ personal attention was needed and critical, it said.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Kuzholuzo Nienu expressed optimism that through the political support of the forum, programmes would be further strengthened in Nagaland. He felt the need for the forum’s assistance to the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) by filling up gaps and bottlenecks. He also informed that UNAIDS will launch World AIDS Day with the theme ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’. He said stigma and discrimination is a major obstacle to universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support although facilities are available.
It was also said that the State Council on AIDS has already deliberated on the state AIDS policy and approved it on April 29. However, it is yet to go through the required procedures and formalities for implementation, it was informed said. The legislators are appealed to reaffirm their commitment and leadership to achieve the target set.
Also, speaking at the occasion, Speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie, while highlighting some of the achievements of the forum, said the legislators as elected leaders should be at the forefront. They should spearhead activities to educate the people in order to eradicate the dreaded disease and to save the Naga society from its consequences. As representatives of the people, the Speaker said, they are closely associated with the people and as such their efforts will yield significant results in improving the situation.
Peseyie made an appeal to all the members to play a crucial role in leading the Naga society by organising programmes and discussing problems at every forum to constantly bring the issue to the notice of the public. He advised the members to make constant efforts to create awareness about the disease and its effects among the people living in their respective constituencies, with a view to shape a healthy society in the greater interest of the state as a whole.
Representative from UNAIDS, Upahar lauded and acknowledged the leadership of the Nagaland legislators in responding to HIV/AIDS. ‘It signifies a unique people-centered initiation and more importantly to carry on such people-oriented initiatives’, he maintained. He requested the legislators’ forum to consider and encourage similar forums in other north eastern states.
Earlier, Project Director of NSACS, Dr. Neiphi Kire gave a power point presentation on the updated situation. Dr. Mhabemo Ovung of Zion Hospital in Dimapur also gave a power point presentation on the clinical picture of AIDS and STI.
(With inputs from DIPR)
