Dimapur, March 23 (MExN): Network of Naga People living with HIV/AIDS (NNP+) even while expressing gratitude to the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) for its effort in containing the epidemic in Nagaland, has highlighted a number of major concern areas being faced by PLHAs. One of the points included instating of a ‘high-ranking official’ from outside the health services as Project Director. The NNP+ reaffirmed that the points mentioned in the following are in affirmation of an earlier memorandum submitted by the PLHAs to NACO chief Sujatha Rao on October 12, 2006.
Taking cognizance that the National AIDS Control Programme phase III is about to commence, a press release from the board members of NNP+ and DLNs called for implementation in letter and in spirit that NACO guidelines for PLHAs drop-in centers be managed by PLHA network. The release demanded that DICs be given to each Positive Network at district-level. Two PLHA counselors (one each from both genders) in each ART and PPTCT and VCTC centers from the network members be given ‘since they understand each other’ and are often best placed to counsel each other. This would strengthen the network through enrollment of new clients, it stated. The network also demanded induction of PLHAs with requisite qualifications during the current expansion of NSACS staff while ART services should be made available in all government hospitals as PLHAs from far-off places face immense difficulties in accessing the needful facilities. Relatively, educational support for infected and affected children should be made available.
On administrative matters, it was demanded that capacity-building trainings be given to the PLHAs’ secretariat. The PLHAs should also be involved in HIV/AIDS programmes at all levels to address their needs and issues. Financial support component for infected women for income-generation should also be managed by Positive women forum under NNP+. Finally, as envisioned by NACP-III the NNP+ recommended that the post of Project Director of NSACS should be held by a “high ranking official from outside the health sector.”
The NNP+ expressed confidence that with the support of the NSACS, and partner organizations, for involvement of PLHAs at all levels, changes and results in the implementation of the stated programme would be brought about.
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