With campaigning for the March 5 2008 State Assembly Election entering the home stretch, it is unfortunate but yet not surprising to note that no politician worth his name has yet to speak on issues related to education and health care. Similarly, the manifesto of the leading political parties in the State does not indicate any seriousness to address the issues. More specifically, the silence of the poll campaign cutting actors parties and leaders, on the issue of HIV/AIDS is both worrying and also demonstrates that the political will to address this grave problem is still missing from the agenda of political parties and their candidates. Given that Nagaland is faced with the enormous challenge of responding collectively to the problems posed by the looming HIV/AIDS situation and something that directly impacts on the socio-economic vitality of the people, this laid-back approach of the political leadership in the State is therefore a matter of concern.
Our political parties and the leadership upon whom policy making and decision rests, should be aware that HIV/AIDS and its spread has a direct effect on the vibrancy and health of the population and therefore the need arises to respond with greater urgency. The hard statistics of the prevailing AIDS scenario in Nagaland should itself be a serious warning deserving the utmost political attention. But the poll campaign is not showing this and only reflects the truism that issues of health and education do not make good politics or simply put, they do not sell during elections. If such is the attitude of the electorates and politicians’, we may end up having the much talked about ‘Legislative Forums’ or yearlong seminars merely on paper when in actual practice what is desired is political leadership to effectively remain proactive in their commitment to address the plethora of issues related to HIV/AIDS.
An informed and well directed political intervention is not a matter of choice but of urgent necessity in the battle against HIV/AIDS. Our political parties and politicians must be prodded to push this problem to the forefront of its agenda and to address issues such as better policing of drug and human trafficking or ensuring a more visible policy of safe blood transfusions, functioning health infrastructure, having comprehensive sex education in school curriculum etc. State action will remain pivotal to the progress achieved and how political leaders at the highest level of the State engage in the fight against HIV/AIDS will determine the future of public health.
The mass campaigns involving the public during elections ought to be taken as an opportune time to openly discuss HIV/AIDS in every platform and thereby spreading awareness and sharing concern about the problem. The reason why it is important to get political commitment during elections is because the government of the day must remain more proactive in dealing with the issues involved. The time has also come to monitor every aspect of HIV programs all over the State and to help ensure that there is both accountability and transparency and that the funds are reaching the people on the ground and are best used. The other importance of having a political mandate to work for HIV/AIDS is because the issue itself calls for collative action—of social, church and political actors embracing the common vision for a healthy and prosperous society. Politics and politicians must not shy away from issues related to public health.
