Chizokho Vero
Kohima | October 12
The Nagaland State AIDS Policy framed on May 2009 has been finally adopted in principle at the meeting of State Council on AIDS chaired by Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio here at his residential office.
With this, the policy will be forwarded to the cabinet for approval and adoption in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, which was endorsed by the Council.
Rio, who is also the Chairman of State Council on AIDS told the meeting that the elected representatives of the 60 member House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had demonstrated the political will to fight the menace and formed Legislators’ Forum on AIDS. Rio stressed on the need to be more efficient in its challenge to tackle this problem.
Complimenting various agencies who had put in hard work in curbing the menace, he said that coming down to No 6 high prevalence rate in the country from No.2 has exhibited the commitment and effort of the various agencies to control this menace.
Referring to Viral Load Machine as necessity in the State as conveyed by NNP+ at the meeting, Rio said that this needed further study by experts whether we can handle it. He said since this machine is not only for detecting HIV/AIDS but also for other purpose as well like diabetes and cancer, it should not be ruled out.
Rio also stated that with the medical college coming up soon in the State, the prospect of acquiring Viral Load Machine should not be ruled out, adding that the proposal to send it to higher ups was on their mind so that the state gets the same at the earliest. The Council decided that a proposal will be put up to the Government of India for acquiring Viral Load Machine for the State.
Rio was also appreciative of the PLHA for their courage in handling their situation not only for themselves but even lending help to other friends as well. He termed it as “very positive.”
Rio also assured that through Corpus Fund his government is ready to extend help to NNP+ to take some income generating projects be it painting, furniture unit or running of mini bus.
He said the government will be always be there with them and partner them in future programme to control, help and assist in combating the menace.
Rio also stated that the district hospitals lacking free investigation facility will be addressed, which was later endorsed by the SCA.
Minister for Health & Family welfare Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, who is also Vice Chairman of SAC said that although the State Policy on AIDS has been published in the state gazette there is no record that it is adopted formally.
He said the prevalence rate of HIV in the state has been reduced to 0.78% from 1.85%, for which he gave credit to all agencies for their coordinated effort. Showing concern on function and activities of NNP+, Azo felt that some more fund may be shelled out from LFA for assistance to NNP+ every year.
Nagaland State AIDS Control Society Dr. Nandira Changkija gave a power point presentation on the status HIV/AIDS scenario in the state. She said that people are now less hesitant in coming forward to get tested for HIV/AIDS and getting themselves treated.
Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Deputy Speaker Ralanthung also emphasized on the need to encourage private clinics as people prefer them rather than government run clinics. Furthermore, in order to avoid embarrassment from higher authority, he strongly felt on the need to maintain accurate figures on all reports in regard to HIV/AIDS status in the state.
A representative from National AIDS Control Society (NACO) present at the meeting also extended gratitude to the state government for its “commendable” political will in combating the menace.
Sharing issues and plight of NNP+, Naomi, President NNP+ on the other hand appreciated the state government for being the first state in the country to form LFA. She admitted that the Forum is doing a tremendous job.
Meanwhile, the Council also agreed for formation of Legislator Forum on AIDS (LFA) in district levels.
Minister for Planning, T.R. Zeliang, Parliamentary Secretary for Women and Child Development Chotisuh Sazo, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Law and Justice Yitachu and several others were among the dignitaries present at the meeting.
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