Officials along with the participants during the 43rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial service held at Zunheboto Ao Baptist Arogo on May 17.
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Calls for compassion towards people living with HIV
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | May 17
DISHA Unit Zunheboto, in collaboration with the Network of Zunheboto People Living with HIV/AIDS (NSP+), observed the 43rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service on May 17 under the theme “Light the Legacy. Remember, Advance, Act.”
The programme was sponsored by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society and hosted by the Zunheboto Ao Baptist Arogo (ZABA). It was attended by church leaders, NGOs, health workers and community members.
Zunheboto Town Sümi Totimi Loka president Atokali Assumi, who attended the programme as guest speaker, called upon society to change its mindset towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and eliminate stigma and discrimination.
She said continued stigma and discrimination discourage many people from coming forward for treatment and support.
“Instead of fear, let us show love. Instead of hating them, let us raise them,” she said, while stressing the importance of confidentiality, unity among PLHIV communities, and mutual support and encouragement.
Assumi urged church leaders, NGOs and community organisations to work together in creating awareness and building a supportive society. She said greater advocacy and positive awareness campaigns could help create a future free from HIV/AIDS stigma and misinformation.
“We should spread more awareness about the adverse effects of HIV and AIDS,” she said, adding that lack of support, care and love often leaves PLHIV feeling isolated and hesitant to seek treatment.
Highlighting the significance of the AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service, Hokishe Chophy, DPO DISHA Zunheboto, said three important programmes are annually observed under HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives — the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial observed every third Sunday of May, World AIDS Orphan Day, and World AIDS Day on December 1.
He said the memorial service, which began in 1983 as an initiative of people living with HIV, serves not only to remember those who lost their lives to the disease but also as a platform for advocacy and awareness.
Chophy urged society to show compassion and support towards affected individuals.
The programme was chaired by Toli Zhimo, Counsellor, OST District Hospital Zunheboto, while invocation prayer was offered by Vechulo Deluo, pastor of Tenyimi Baptist Church Zunheboto. Welcome address was delivered by Achi Lkr, deacon of ZABA.
A one-minute silence prayer was observed in remembrance of those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. A special song was presented by Bendangsenla of ZABA, followed by special prayers for those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS, those undergoing recovery, and those yet to know their HIV status.
The benediction prayer was pronounced by Pastor Lanusaigit of ZABA.
