Morung Express News
Kohima | October 16
The Nagaland State Consultation on HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 for finalization of State Specific Rules was held on October 16 at de Oriental Grand, Kohima.
Organised by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSCAS) in collaboration with NACO, FHI360 and KRIPA Foundation, the consultation deliberated on inputs shared by civil society groups, health activists, legal fraternity, police department, and the departments of Social Welfare and Law & Justice.
Delivering the keynote address, I Himato Zhimomi, Principle Secretary, Health & Family Welfare expressed concern over the HIV & AIDS prevalence rate in Nagaland, which is the third highest in the country.
Zhimomi requested the gathering to deliberate on how to improve the act, taking into consideration Nagaland specific issues. A major issue that Nagaland faces today is treatment accessibility. Zhimomi pointed out that only about 7000 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are availing ART, out of the 20000 HIV positive cases.
The Principal Secretary questioned why clinical outreaches are not effective and why affected persons are not on Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART). “HIV, more than any other diseases calls for utmost care and affection,” said Zhimomi, who urged the gathering, especially PLHIV to come forward and point out what is lacking with NACO or NSACS to ensure that there is 100% compliance.
“In Nagaland specifically, unlike Mizoram or Manipur, about 90% are affected through the sexual route,” stated Zhimomi, calling for measures to guide people and ensure a healthy and HIV free society in the next ten years. He meanwhile stated that stigma and discrimination is a complex issue. And while the act addresses discrimination issues, Zhimomi suggested that the PLHIV must come out and “not be in the shadows of our society.” “We want to assure you that we treat you all as equals, and we assure that the state machineries are there with you,” said Zhimomi.
Come together to curb drug menace
Mezivolü T Therie, Member Secretary, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) meanwhile pointed out that there has been a phenomenal rise in drug trafficking and drug abuse amongst the youth, having serious implications on health and the economy.
To ensure implementation of the act, Therie stated that the participation of village institutions, local bodies, educational institutions and the churches in Nagaland is necessary. “These bodies are ready made platforms,” she said, urging stakeholders to focus attention towards curbing the drug menace.
She further assured that the NSLSA would provide full cooperation towards sensitizing stakeholders about the act once it is put in place in Nagaland.
Deprivation of service cannot be justified
President of the NNagaDAO and Director, Kripa Foundation, Abou Mere meanwhile called upon the central and state governments to effectively implement the act.
Mere pointed out that the act calls for providing “as far as possible, anti-retroviral therapy and opportunistic management to people living with HIV or AIDS.” He however cautioned that the phrase “as far as possible,” should not be a justification to deprive services to rural and remote areas.
He therefore requested the state government to consider licensing of HIV testing laboratories for quality control. He meanwhile pointed out that Nagaland still does not have a viral load machine. “If the phrase ‘as far as possible’ is used as justification, then it is nothing, but a systematic discrimination to the people of Nagaland of quality services of Care, Support and Treatment (CST),” Mere stated.
He also drew attention to the need for appointment of Ombudsmen and complaint officers.
