DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 9 (MExN): The Network of Nagaland Drugs and AIDS Organisation (NNagaDAO) today informed that it has closed decided to close down all HIV targeted intervention drop in centers on February 15 and 16, and hold a protest rally in all the district headquarters of the state against the non release of HIV programme grant for several months. A press note from the NNagaDAO President, Abou Mere informed that this decision was taken at a meeting held on February 9 at the Regional Resource and Training Centre (Kripa Foundation) Training hall, Kohima. On February 15, the organization is also set to submit a representation to the Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zelliang who also holds charge of finance.
“The protest is to express resentment towards TR Zelliang government for not releasing HIV program grant for several months and to demand immediate release of the same,” the NNagaDAO stated. It said that the NGOs and their staff “cannot continue function on beg and borrow (credit and loans) from the well-wishers.” It informed that the staff has taken loans with interest to take care of their children’s school fees, house rent, grocery and other essential needs. The NGOs have also brought the HIV prevention commodities on credit or have taken loan to purchase it the same in order to continue providing services to its target groups, it stated. The NNagaDAO cautioned that HIV prevention commodities are running out of stock and without which the Drop In Centers would not be able to function.
It informed all partner NGOs and CBOs to contact the NNagaDAO office bears or their respective district representatives for more information.
