DIMAPUR, MAY 13 (MExN): The Network of Nagaland Drugs and AIDS Organisation (NNagaDAO) Executive board and all the chief functionaries of NGOs/CBOs implementing Targeted Intervention (TI) have resolved to start its first phase of agitation by closing down all Drop-In Centres (DICs) on May 17 and 18.
A pres note from the NNagaDAO stated that the protest has been called to express “resentment towards the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and Nagaland State AIDS control Society (NSACS) for non release of fund.”
It expressed frustration that despite their time, energy and resources invested in HIV targeted intervention programs, “the grants meant for the said programs was not released or reimbursed by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and Nagaland State AIDS control Society (NSACS).”
“Thousands of NGOs/CBOs staffs working in the field of HIV/AIDS, the vendors, house rent etc. are not paid,” it informed while demanding NACO and NSACS to immediately release funds to their partner NGOs and CBOs as per the Contract signed between NACO/NSACS. The contract was signed as per World Bank guideline and implemented programs as per the MOU of the Annual Action Plan 2015-16, it informed.
The NNagaDAO further appealed to all key populations to “understand and cooperate with our partner NGOs/CBOs.” While acknowledging the importance of un-interrupt services “and in no way is trying to ignore your right to health,” the NNagaDAO said it has been compelled to stop providing services for two days.
It however informed that as it is, “commodities are running out of stock in DICs and without commodities opening the DICs is meaningless.” “NGOs/CBOs cannot continue filling the commodities on credit from vendors or allow our staffs to work on empty stomach, their children school fee and house rent unpaid etc.”
It reminded that the NNagaDAO has expressed its concern many times. “However our concerns and grievance are not addressed, therefore we are compelled to demand our right through democratic peaceful protest,” it stated.
