Morung Express news
Kohima | October 29
Following the news report of a woman who is in her advanced state of pregnancy being deserted by her family and in-laws because she had tested positive for HIV, the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) has stepped in.
It was informed that NMA has taken the pregnant woman under their care at the Cradle Ridge, Seithogei, Kohima (AIDS Hospice) today. Attempts to contact the NMA went unanswered.
Mention may be made that the woman who was deserted came seeking for help at Kripa Foundation who was temporarily housed by SAKHI One Stop centre through the intervention of the Social Welfare Department.
This intervention by the NMA came as a huge relief in the backdrop of some allegations that Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) officials have not tried to reach out or intervene in the matter.
Appreciating the NMA, a person working with key populations expressed relief to know that the NMA is willing to take care of her “even though they do not get or receive any support from NSACS or NACO or any international development partners.”
Meanwhile, speaking to The Morung Express, Dr Vikato Kinimi who is holding the additional charge as NSACS Project Director disagreed, stating that, “On our side, we are keeping track of her and doing the best we can.”
Confirming that the woman is now sheltered in Cradle Ridge, he said, the officials have visited her at the hospice, and also provided some goods while also keeping track of her Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) status, which he confirmed, is regular.
“We are following up on what we should be doing in the near future on what will be best for her and her baby. On our side, we are doing what we can. NSACS being the guardian, we will definitely be involved if anybody is being discriminated or stigmatised,” stated Dr Kinimi.
It was learnt from a reliable source that Deputy Director General (DDG), National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Dr Shobini Rajan has instructed NSACS officials to facilitate and help the woman. She also further asked NSACS officials to find possibility of support from developing partners to assist the woman.
