Reducing stigma against HIV/AIDS

DIMAPUR, MAY 19 (MExN): Dimapur Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (DNP+) and DAPCU, Dimapur jointly organized the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day 2013 on Sunday at IMC Hall Dimapur where the main focus was on reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS. 

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day is observed on the third Sunday of May every year. This year’s theme was, “In Solidarity.”

President of DNP+ Moatemjen Phom shared deep concern that people living with HIV and AIDS continues to face stigma and discrimination by the society in workplace, educational institutions etc. He attributed the rising stigma and discrimination to the inability of the people to keep confidential the status of the affected persons. He revealed the 90% of the affected persons registered with the DNP+ were people from Below the Poverty Line. In this context, the DNP+ president urged the various government departments to come forward in assisting the affected persons in terms of education, destitute homes etc. “If we help each other, then many opportunities will be opened in reducing stigma and discrimination,” he said.

DC Dimapur, N. Hushili Sema who was the guest speaker said it was high time that the people needed to change their attitude towards not only the affected people, but also those less fortunate ones. She asserted that organizing seminars and workshops thereby delivering only lip service was not enough and called for reviving enthusiasm towards eradicating stigma and discrimination. Without meaning that the NGOs and Churches were not doing enough towards this goal, the DC said they could do more as it was a collective concern and problem. “Despite all deterrents, if all the NGOs, Churches and departments could revive and come out stronger, then definitely we will come out successful,” she said. 

The participants lighted candles marking the International AIDS Memorial Day and observed one minute silent prayer.