Kohima, February 24 (DIPR): HIV/AIDS awareness and blood donation drive organized by the State College of Teacher Education Kohima in collaboration with Red Ribbon Club and Voluntary Blood Donor Association Kohima was held on February 24 at SCTE-K, Kohima under the theme “To save lives, you don’t have to be a doctor, but just be a blood donor”.
Speaking on the importance of blood donors, resource person and President, Voluntary Blood Association Kohima, Kholi Dolf mentioned that voluntary blood donation is an ideal example of attrition in action and it is the highest firm of charity and one which can blind the society regardless of class, race, color or religion. He stated that donating blood is the greatest gift one can do for mankind. Many patients are dying in hospital due to shortage of blood, he said and urged the trainees to donate blood to save human life and dwell on the criteria on blood donation on guideline. He called upon the gathering to join the voluntary blood donors association and that the awareness drive is the right platform. He called upon them to be ambassadors and educate the students after returning to their respective place.
Resource person from Red Ribbon Club, Assistant Director, Ainato Yeptho speaking on the topic ‘role and responsibilities’ stated that Red Ribbon Club is a movement to create on HIV/AIDS through service education and events. He said that the main objective is to harness the potential of the youth equipping them with correct information on HIV/AIDS prevention care and to support. It intends to build their capacities as per educators in spreading the message on positive health behaviors and to increase voluntary blood donation from among the youth which also aim to facilitate life skill development to enable young people to deal with vulnerabilities, he added.
Resource person, Assistant Director, Voluntary Blood Donor Association, NSACS, Alipoker stated that HIV lives in body fluids like seminal fluids, vaginal fluids and blood and more that 85% of all HIV infection occurs due to unsafe sex. He mentioned that prevention is the only choice so everyone should get themselves tested and timely use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) health lifestyles can help people with HIV and AIDS lead a normal life. He advised those persons who are infected to adhere strictly to the guidelines of ART, healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and a positive mindset. He asserted that the virus does not discriminate and can affect anyone so prevention is the only cure.
The programme was chaired by Toshiyala Tzudir and welcome address was delivered by Co-convenor, RRC, SCTE-K. Altogether 19 trainees and faculty member from SCTE-K donated blood. The blood donors included Khrievino Sale, Keneingunuo Vizo, Mhashesuno Mekro, Megowheno Khate, Limatula Longchar, Rangluiheing, Razoulhoutuonuo, Koheiding Anthony, Tirsha Thapa, Mughaketo Chishi, Kutobo X. Kinimi, Ekongthang Kithan, Toshiyala Tzudir, Ghusheto N. Sumi, Bokishe Aye, Rantauzembe, Jennifer R. Murry, Elizabeth Walling, T. Alemla Longkumer.
