Wokha: ‘World can end AIDS, with communities leading the way’

Morung Express News
Wokha| December 1

Wokha District observed World AIDS Day under the theme “Let Communities Lead” at Town Hall Baghty, Wokha on December 1. 

The theme speaker of the programme, Wetso Lasushe (NCS) EAC Baghty asserted that “there is a need to let community lead because community are the ones who knows the vulnerable people better.” He elucidated that this events underscored the need where “the world can end AIDS, with communities leading the way.”

Further, he stated that organizations of communities living with or affected by HIV are the frontline of progress in the HIV response. “Communities connect people with the person-centered public health services, build trust, monitor implementation of policies and services and hold providers accountable,” he said. 

This World Aids Day is more than a celebration of the achievements of communities while encouraging everyone to call an action in order to enable and support communities in their leadership role and to unleash the full potential of community leadership to enable the end of HIV & AIDS, the speaker added. 

The theme speaker concluded by encouraging the gathering to follow the theme “Let Communities Lead”, with a hope to eliminate the HIV & AIDS which is a threat to public health.

Abeni Lotha, President, Wokha Network of Positive People (WNP+) Thungchanbemo, PM Zion Welfare Society Naughty TI and Enok Kithan, Asst. Director, Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre Bhandhari TI emphasised on strengthening the community while Baghty Town Council, Eloe Hoho Baghty Town and Students’ Union Baghty Town also spoke during the programme.

The programme was organised by District AIDS Prevention Control Unit, Wokha along with Wokha Network of Positive People (WNP+), NUN LWS Wokha, Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre Bhandari TI, Zion Welfare Society Baghty TI and PATH India.

The event was chaired by David K Lotha, Field Mentor PATH INDIA, Nchumbemo, Catechist Baghty Town Catholic Church invoked blessing, and welcome address was delivered by Hunali Neog, M&E Zion Welfare Society Baghty.

A special presentation was made by Wobenthung Tsopoe and Hunali Neog and vote of thanks was delivered by Mhathung Khenchung, PM Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre Bhandari followed by benediction by Longshipemo, Youth Director Baghty Town Baptist Church.