V Kezo and Dr Ahu Sekhose with others during the launching programme of City Barn in Kohima on August 7. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 7
An innovation project of the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) christened as City Barn-The Health Centre, was formally launched in Kohima on August 7.
The centre was launched by V Kezo, Commissioner & secretary, Health & Family Welfare and chairman NSACS, Government of Nagaland. Located at Tinpati, High School Road, below Census office, the Centre aims to connect with all young people below the age of 24 who are concerned about their health and in need of information regarding their health and well being.
In his address, Kezo maintained that the City Barn is not only about counselling centre but will provide an interesting platform for interaction among the youngsters.
“It is a shining example of community intervention to preserve and protect the mental, physical and moral well being of our young generation,” he said. “We need to build up positive values,” he said and stressed on the need to orient the youngsters about their precious life. He was optimistic that the centre will bring them hope and a sense of peace.
Schools, colleges encouraged to be part of the project
NSACS Project Director Dr Ahu Sekhose informed that Dr Bernice D Thapru has conceptualized the project and it was approved by National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). Dr. Sekhose was optimistic that the Centre will become a happening place and will provide services to the needy people, especially the young people.
Dr Bernice D Thapru, Joint Director (Prevention) encouraged the schools and colleges in Kohima to be part of this City Barn project and avail the facility.
The Centre will keep open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, she said.
Stating that the whole purpose of the Centre is to cater to the healthy lifestyle of the young people, Dr. Thapru said “It is not only concerned about HIV. It will be concerned about drug addiction, about tobacco addiction.”
“We want to reach them on time. We want to pass information to them on time. We want to consult them on time,” she said adding that the Centre will also conduct special session on sexual and reproductive health.
‘Break stigma surrounding mental health’
Miss Nagaland 2022 Hikali Achumi encouraged all the young people to take advantage of this City Barn project. She challenged them to come forward and break the stigma surrounding mental health.
“Let us embrace City Barn as a beacon of hope and stepping stone towards a healthier and happier life,” Achumi said.
Earlier, Lujeka Assumi, Associate Pastor, SBCK invoked God’s blessings while Lerenii presented a special number. Vote of thanks was proposed by Khekato Chophy,
Services available at City Barn
This City Barn will offer counselling services, linkages to facilities- TI/OST/ICTC, ART, STI, TB, Hepatitis, mental health, adolescent clinic, rehab, SRH services. It will also offer In-House Helpdesk facility, access to Anonymous Q &A facility, screening for HIV, Syphillis, TB, Hepatitis, STI & linkages, GBV and mental health.
The centre will also hold thematic health sessions and linkages with specialized resource persons from relevant departments-youth specific, STI & Reproductive health, mental health addiction counselling, testing and treatment, life skills session, career counselling etc.
One can also drop into City Barn at Dimapur (Super Market near ANTA office), Wokha (Tsumang Colony, Main town), Tuensang (High School “A” Ward below Akum Imlong School GHSS Road).
