Youth called to lead awareness as Nagaland ranks second in HIV cases

Our Correspondent
Zunheboto | August 12

International Youth Day was observed at Zunheboto Government College (ZGC) on August 12, organised by the District Integrated Strategy of HIV and AIDS (DISHA), under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Preventing HIV and Promoting Health.”

The resource person, Dr Antoly Suu, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Zunheboto, highlighted in her address that International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12. Since its inception in 1999 by the United Nations, the day aims to empower young people and raise awareness about key global issues, including HIV and AIDS—a key target under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030.”

“Peace, prosperity, preventing HIV, and promoting health are all vital aspects of the SDGs,” she stated.

Dr Suu expressed concern over Nagaland having the second-highest rate of HIV and AIDS in India, following Mizoram. “This is not something to be proud of, but rather a serious matter that requires collective reflection and action,” she said.

Explaining HIV as the virus that leads to AIDS by weakening the immune system, she noted that while medical teams are doing their best to prevent its spread, the efforts cannot succeed without community participation. She urged college students and youth to actively support awareness initiatives and become ambassadors for the cause. “Every college in Nagaland has a Red Ribbon Club (RRC), and students should join these clubs to spread awareness and educate others,” she added. “We want people to avoid contracting HIV and developing AIDS.”

She elaborated on the four main modes of HIV transmission: unprotected sexual contact, infected blood transfusions, sharing of unsterilized needles, and transmission from mother to child during birth.

“We need to remain vigilant as HIV is also prevalent in Zunheboto. Awareness and self-protection are crucial,” she stressed.

Dr Suu encouraged everyone to know their HIV status, emphasizing that early detection can lead to better management. She revealed that in Nagaland, the age group most affected by HIV and AIDS is between 19 and 34 years a demographic considered highly vulnerable.

“Donating blood is a noble act,” she remarked, adding that it not only saves lives but also has health benefits for the donor, including the replenishment of new blood and reduced risks of heart and lung diseases.

“Though HIV is not curable, it is preventable,” she concluded.

Earlier in the programme, Surhotalu, Assistant Professor Department of History, ZGC, chaired the event, while Jenny Kent, Assistant Professor Department of English and Nodal Officer Red Ribbon Club ZGC, delivered the vote of thanks. Dr Kupe  Kupfo, NPS SP Zunheboto Flag off the Bike Rally  and Zunheboto Riders Club took part in the  rally.

The event was attended by students of ZGC, members of the Red Ribbon Club, and faculty members.