NSACS calls for achieving an HIV-free state

Nagaland observes International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 15

Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland today observed 39th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial under the theme “We remember, We Take Action, We live beyond HIV.”

In the state capital Kohima, the programme took place at Conclave hall, LCS building by paying tribute to the lost souls and lighting the memorial candles.

With almost 38 million people living with HIV today, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service is as an important platform for global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination, and giving hope to new generations.

Towards achieving an HIV free state
Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) project director Dr Akuo Sorhie said that HIV is a collective issue and called upon each and every individual to come together and work hand in hand towards achieving an HIV-free status in Nagaland.

 “Today with the advancement of ART medicine, HIV positive people can live a long and healthy life. However the success of ART, depends on adherence to the medication,” she said. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a lifelong medication, being provided free of cost at the ART centres across the state.

As per data from 1999 till March 2022, Nagaland had 29, 928 HIV positive cases and there are 10,617 patients who are alive and on ART, Dr Sorhie informed.

As per the estimation of HSS 2020, Nagaland is placed at the second position with a percentage of 1.44 in adult HIV prevalence.

Dr Sorhie further  stressed on the need to intensify the campaign and spread awareness at all levels to bring down the prevalence rate.

 “We need to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination and encourage more people to come forward for HIV testing and to avail timely treatment and other HIV related facilities,” she said.

Through the National AIDS Control programme, NSACS has been carrying out various IEC activities and also providing HIV related facilities and service to the people in the state, she said, further informing that the HIV Ombudsman under the HIV and AIDS Act 2017 is also now in place.

One can now lodge complaints and grievances regarding discrimination and violation of rights of HIV infected and affected persons within Nagaland state with the HIV Ombudsman.

 ‘HIV+ is not the end of life’
NNP+ president Lanu Aier said that being HIV+ is not the end of life, adding: “There is life beyond HIV with ART treatment. We can live healthier & longer quality life like any other person.”

To this end, he encouraged PLHIV to adhere to ART treatment and initiate as early as possible and  also urged all the stakeholders to join hands and continue to support PLHIV.

Be an agent and ambassador for those who are deprived by the society to bring hope, create a space to support and encourage PLHIV, to avail treatment and overcome stigma & discrimination, he added. 

“The PLHIV community of Nagaland, like to appeal to the state, concern department and development partners to ensure that supply, chain management is not interrupted, enhance timely clinical test & consultation, enhance the best medication & testing facility, allocate certain provision & priority of social security to PLHIV community, take up state agenda to address HIV & AIDS pandemic and focused on creating awareness on HIV&AIDS prevention, treatment literacy and  S &D, only then we can ensure decrease the mortality rate from HIV & AIDS in our state,” he said.

The best tribute to those who have died from HIV&AIDS and to those living with HIV is to affirm that “we will not discriminate but strive to build a caring and supportive society with the hope that one day we will overcome HIV, Aier added.

Recommitting to stop stigma and discrimination
Meanwhile, Kohima Press Club (KPC) President Alice Yhoshü said memorial is a “call for solidarity reminds us that we do not forget those who died before their time. We also remember the courage of those who have cared for the sick when there were no effective treatments in the early days of the epidemic. Their resolve and humanity, despite the stigma that is attached to the ailment have ensured that those who died did so with love, dignity and support.”

While HIV and AIDS is now considered a chronic disease, it can be controlled by medication, she said, however noting that fears of stigma prevent those at risk of infection from accessing services for prevention, timely treatment, care and support. 

“This in turn perpetuates risk and vulnerability, sustaining the cycle of new infections,” Yhoshü noted. 

As we stand in solidarity with people from throughout the world in lighting our candles, let us all recommit ourselves to efforts to stop stigma and discrimination and our efforts to prevent the spread of HIV, she added.

She also challenged the people to honour those who devoted and continue to devote their time and lives to care for people living with HIV; those who continue to fight stigma and discrimination; and all those who help create a conducive environment so that PLHIV can live in dignity enabling them to make their contribution towards the society.

Talking on “HIV related death is avoidable”, ARK Foundation President Ketho Angami requested the people to work together to eliminate stigma and discrimination forever.

“Stigma deprives people from accessing facilities,” he said.

Dr Ruokuovilie Sachü, pastor Khedi Baptist Church and representative from Naga Mothers’ Association also shared solidarity message.