DISHA, Phek, conducted a training programme on the HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 for doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers.
PHEK, SEPTEMBER 17 (MExN): The District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DISHA), Phek, conducted a training programme on the HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 for doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers at Dr Wethselo T. Mero Memorial Hall, District Hospital Phek.
The training, held on Monday, had Thukutalu Chizo, panel lawyer, PDLSA, as the resource person. She said the Act, passed by Parliament in 2017 and enforced on September 10, 2018, aims to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS, protect the human rights of persons infected or affected, and provide measures of care, support and treatment.
She elaborated on issues such as stigma and discrimination, rights of HIV positive patients, penalties and grievance redressal mechanisms, and prohibition of certain acts under the law. She also stressed that people living with HIV face a significantly higher risk of mental health disorders, underscoring the need for healthcare providers to adopt a holistic, empathetic and multidisciplinary approach.
Highlighting the role of complaint officers and the ombudsman under the Act, she urged healthcare professionals to ensure rights-based and compassionate care for HIV patients.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kuduvo Kezo, DPO, DISHA Phek, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Kethsuselie Kire, DPA, DISHA.
