Pungro, October 28 (MExN): The Private Schools Teachers’ Association, Pungro (PSTAP) understanding the urgent need to create awareness on HIV/AIDS and substance abuse with the youth and school students, collaborated with Kripa Foundation Nagaland organized a seminar on health awareness on October 28 at GHSS Hall Pungro under the theme ‘Give Sight and Save Life’.
The main objective of the awareness programme was intended to serve as a primary preventive measure and to make the targeted audience informed about the basics of HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.
This objective was derived due to a greater prevalence rate of 22.80% in Pungro Sub-Division as per the 2016-17 annual detection report of NSACS, informed a press release received here. The programme was attended by prominent figures from the Public Forum Pungro Sub Division, teachers, youths and the students numbering more than 300 participants from LFS, Around Mt. Saramati School, Christian High School Pungro, Mt. Horeb Baptist School and Govt. Higher Secondary School Pungro.
S. Kiusumew, President, Public Forum Pungro Sub-Division (PFPSD) graced the event as the guest of honour and Ketho Angami, Progam Co-ordinator, Kripa Foundation as the resource person.
Addressing the participants, the guest of honour encouraged the audience about the importance of understanding such health and social issues and make responsible decisions. He also stressed on the need of all curricular education in this competitive world and urge upon them to excel not only in their studies but also to inculcate responsible behaviour and to become or productive member of the society.
On health awareness, Ketho Angami deliberated on HIV/AIDs and substance abuse. On the topic of HIV/AIDS, he made a brief presentation on HIV/AIDS in Nagaland which is considered as high prevalence rate through the transmission mode of unsafe sex. He briefed about the nature of the virus (HIV) which describe as a blood borne virus and is the causative organism that leads to AIDS.
He mention about the four major routes of transmission and also focussing on the concept of window period. Further, he stated that AIDS is the disease which is not curable but manageable in spite of not having a vaccination till date. As far as the management is concerned he highlighted on the medication which are called Anti Retro Virals (ARV) which is a lifelong treatment but helps to suppress and contain the virus.
Some of the HIV/AIDS preventive measures were also deliberated which were to avoid sharing needle and syringe, understanding the basic facts of HIV/AIDS, on using only screened blood for transfusion and by getting HIV/AIDS related services.
On substance abuse, he spoke with a key focus on the school students and youths in regard to what is known as “Gateway Drugs”. He lamented that some youngsters are into such drugs like tobacco, nicotine, alcohol which if taken frequently will probably lead to abuse of other harder substance in the coming years. His key message to the audience is to abstinence from the intake of such habits which serve as a primary preventive measure. He highlighted on the various types of drugs such as alcohol, opiod pharmaceuticals drugs and heroin mentioning that the abuse of such drugs affects all round development of an individual.
The programme started with an Invocation by Chipong Pastor UPC and welcome address by Khonyamong, President PSTAP. Special items were also presented from various Private schools. The program ended with a vote of thanks by Tsuthong, Convenor, PSTAP, Benediction by Rev. Fr. Ashikho Abraham and the programme was chaired by Pentsumong.
Having successfully conducted this programme the PSTAP in the press release suggested NSACS/Health and Family Welfare Department to understand the need of conducting such programmes in the coming days and deal it with urgency.
