NGOs write to NLA Speaker
Kohima, November 29 (MExN): The Network of Nagaland NGOs on Drugs and AIDS Organisation (NNagaDAO) on Sunday wrote to the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) requesting political leadership towards HIV& AIDS and other health concerns in the State.
The NNagaDAO submitted the letter on behalf of 48 NGOs across the State, drawing the government’s attention to the need for ‘urgent action’ to address health concerns and appealing for political and continued leadership for the same.
“Nagaland state continues to remain as one of the highest prevalence rate of communicable disease such as HIV, Viral Hepatitis, TB and other non communicable disease like cancer, mental health, and sexual reproductive health predominantly among the adolescents,” it wrote.
Terming it as a matter of public health concern requiring urgent interventions and redressal, the NGOs expressed concern over the disbandment of the Legislative Forum on HIV&AIDS (LFA).
“The situation paints a worrisome state which could result due to lack of political guidance, leadership and engagement by the esteem elected members of the Legislative Assembly,” it added.
The elected legislators, political leadership are very crucial to take forward health policies keeping vulnerable communities at the centre and ensuring the welfare of our citizens, it added.
The letter further stated that the COVID-19 experience has taught the importance of demonstrating political leadership, formulating guidance, monitoring and evaluating COVID-19 and its response.
In the same way, it is critically important that such greater involvement of the members of the state Assembly be transferred towards HIV & AIDS and beyond, it noted.
