The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service was held at Police Baptist Church DEF, Phek on May 19.
PHEK, May 20 (MExN): The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service was held with Dr K Vanlalruati, Junior Specialist (MD) District Hospital, Phek as the guest speaker at Police Baptist Church DEF, Phek on May 19. The event was organised by DLN, DAPCU, ELF, Vihan and Ahana and supported by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, stated a press release received here.
The guest speaker in her speech said, “This day mark to remember those people who have died of AIDS and to honour those people who have dedicated their lives in helping people living with and affected by HIV and continue to mobilize communities in solidarity.”
Dr Vanlalruati called upon the gathering to not to stigmatize and discriminate the people living with HIV and AIDS but to show them love, care and support and encourage them to be a part social relationship. The speaker also explained the different routes of HIV transmission, myth and misconception of HIV, mode of HIV prevention, benefits of ART. While dwelling on treatment she encourages the HIV positive people to follow the advice of the health care provider by availing timely counselling, adherence to drug intake, psycho social support and clinical check up.
The speaker also appeals the family member to give home base care support, Psycho social and holistic support as per the need which will reduce self-stigma. She also appraised the gathering to create more awareness to the general population so that HIV and AIDS incidence can be reduce through corrective information and treatment services.
Mese Letro, President PNP+ gave a testimonial sharing. He also advised the infected people not to self-stigmatise but to mainstream with the general population. He said the stigma and discrimination towards PLHIVs has exceptionally normalized however self-stigma still persist among the infected people therefore it is high time PLHIVs should change the mental attitude and come forward in social discourse and relationship. He call upon the people to give care and support to the infected and affected people by providing social, emotional and psychological support and also create more awareness in any required platform.
Velato Nienu, AM&E DAPCU highlighted the HIV scenario to the gathering. A moment of silent prayer was mark in memory of those who have died of AIDS. Anuri enthralled the gathering with a melodious special number.
Veruyoyi Khesoh Pastor Police Baptist Church, DEF, Phek invoked God’s blessing. Kuduvo Kezo DPO DAPCU delivered the Vote of thanks Thujongolu Veswu, Women leader Police Baptist Church, DEF,Phek pronounce the benediction. The programme was chaired by Ketshuselie Kire DPA DAPCU, Phek.
