Dimapur, December 1 (MExN): The fifth general conference of Network of Nagaland Drugs and AIDS Organizations (N Naga DAO) culminated with the commemoration of World AIDS Day on December 1, today at Town Hall, Dimapur. The programme started with dedicating a minute of silent prayer to all those people around the world who have lost their lives to AIDS. Never dreaming of taking the lead, speaking on this year’s theme for World AIDS Day, “Lead-Empower-Deliver,’ Seyie, a PLHIV (people living with HIV) conveyed a strong message across while giving his life testimony. “Two years ago when I was in a hospital bed fearing the worst and regretting my past; I never dreamed I would be taking the lead today and speaking before this gathering,” he said with pride. He stressed on the points of misconceptions people keep about HIV. He said, most people think only people who do drugs are infected with HIV, which is very wrong. There is too much information about HIV but people let down their guards thinking they will not be infected, Seyie said and added “HIV does not mean end of life.”
Seyie also said he felt encouraged by the efforts and commitments being put in by leaders to fight AIDS. “I am very encouraged that we have such committed and concerned leaders who have taken the lead and we need such leaders to keep the promise to stop AIDS,” he said. Focusing on the State AIDS policy, Seyie pointed out the need for such policy to safeguard the future from HIV and AIDS. He said, “The goal for universal access to comprehensive prevention programmes, treatment, care and support by 2010 can only be a reality of the government deliver on the promises they have made.” Each individual, Seyie felt, must feel empowered to access treatment, to know their rights and take action against stigma and discrimination, and to know and use methods of prevention against receiving and transmitting HIV.
He urged all PLHIV to do their bit to reduce stigma and discrimination and be more responsible, and contribute to society the best they can while continuing to live a strong and healthy life. In the programme, Guardian Angel and Pretty Women, both non-governmental organizations, presented a play on stigma and discrimination, and CAD Foundation performed a tributary song to all those people living with the virus.
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