Nagaland State Health & Family Welfare Minister, S. Pangnyu Phom, speaking in the presence of students at the 1st North East Multi Media Campaign on HIV/AIDS at Kohima on February 18. (DIPR Photo)
• 1st NE multi media campaign to spread awareness
• H&FW Minister urges young people to remain safe, avail HIV test
• Reports ‘progress in decline’ of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 18
Eight states today came together in Kohima through the platform of the 1st North East Multi Media Campaign on HIV/AIDS and vowed to stay united against it in the region.
The event was hosted by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) under the aegis of National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
Nagaland State Minister for Health & Family Welfare, S. Pangnyu Phom, called upon young people to remain safe, avail HIV test and go for treatment if found HIV positive.
The Minister noted it as unfortunate that three states in the North East are amongst the highest HIV prevalent states in the country.
Considering the high prevalence of HIV in the region, he urged the national program to consider the needs of each state in terms of the technical support and resources required “if we are to effectively address the epidemic by 2030 along with the rest of the country.”
He said at the State level, the State AIDS Control Societies in partnership with NGOs, FBOs, private partners, law enforcement agencies and other development partners are taking up the critical role of delivering services towards achieving the national goal.
‘We have seen progress in the decline of HIV/AIDS’
He said that Nagaland State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has been supportive and concerned about the issues surrounding the HIV/ AIDS in Nagaland.
He said State legislators have been contributing Rs 1 lakh each to the Legislators Forum on AIDS (LFA) for the last ten years and have committed the support till March 2019.
“A lot of good work has been done and we have seen progress in the decline of HIV/ AIDS,” the Minister reported.
Consider challenges of NE states
The Minister urged NACO to consider the challenges of the North East states, to work out a strategy and allocate resources as per the needs of each state to address HIV/AIDS effectively.
Phom said that in its pursuit to achieve the 90-90-90 by 2020 and to eradicate the HIV/AIDS by 2030, many innovative strategies and policies has been launched at the national level.
Informing that ‘Test and Treaty Policy’ has been launched with a vision to ensure treatment for all, Phom said, “In order to achieve this vision, we need the support of NACO for timely supply of drugs, easy access to treatment and technical advice to the state to facilitate uninterrupted drug supply in the treatment centres.”
He acknowledged the drug shortage reported in Nagaland State but expressed happiness that NACO is “ready to facilitate the installation of viral load machine for Nagaland for the benefit of PLHIV.”
Terming the passing of HIV/AIDS Bill 2017 as a “landmark achievement,” the Minister said that “The State is in the process of working out the implementation modalities.”
Mass awareness and sensitization across service providers, community members, public and private sector, NGOs, and the general public is critical for its right implementation, he said. Adding, the State requires the technical and financial support of NACO to implement the HIV/AIDS Bill 2017 in its true sense and spirit.
He said the much awaited viral hepatitis program under NHM has been launched and rolled out.
The Model Treatment Centre and State Lab. Diagnosis Centre are in place and the Department has already appointed a Nodal officer and Technical Specialist to ensure smooth implementation.
He said innovative strategy and approaches for service delivery to key populations through the Targeted Intervention and Opioid Substitution Therapy has shown positive outcomes and result.
He also urged the National Program to identify the benefits of this partnership and ensure that adequate financial and technical resources are allocated to generate the desired program output.
‘Practice safe and responsible behaviour’
NACO Deputy Director General, Dr. Naresh Goel, said that it was a proud moment for the NACO to collaborate for the 1st NE multi media campaign under the theme ‘North East united against HIV/AIDS.’
He said the message to fight HIV/AIDS should be spread across the country and “practice safe and responsible behaviour.”
He encouraged people to spread the awareness message of prevention and remove the stigma and discrimination against affected people.
He expressed gratitude to the department concerned and civil societies for raising awareness campaigns to make India free from HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Advocate for HIV free generation
President of Network of Naga People Living with HIV President, Lanu Aier, encouraged everyone to get tested and know their HIV status, do away with stigma and discrimination and continue to work together and advocate for an HIV free generation.
He urged NACO to ensure smooth flow in supply chain and stock management of ART, taking note of the stock out issue and frequent breakdown of CD4 where PLHIV have to face immense hardship leading to mental trauma.
He appealed the State Government, department concerned and various stakeholders to intervene during stock out crisis as missing a dose affects the treatment adherence and develops drug resistance.
Further, Aier urged the government, civil societies and stakeholders to extend their support by providing social protection and other benefit especially to PLHIV from economically weaker section.
Major General Pradeep Nair, YSM, Inspector General HQ IGAR (N) also delivered short speech.
Nagaland State Principal Secretary for Health & Family Welfare, I. Himato Zhimomi, gave opening remarks while welcome address was delivered by Principal Director, Dr. Vikeyie Losu.
NSACS Project Director Dr. Nganshimeren thanked everyone for their active participation.
