‘State HIV prevalence rate declines’

HIV and AIDS prevalence rate in Nagaland has drastically come down from 1.22 percent to 0.73 percent during the last decade based on data available till January 2014.
This was disclosed by president N Naga Dao, W.C. Humtsoe at the 5th Eyilo ministry foundation day-cum- consultation programme with pastors and NGOs at Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur on Saturday. Out of a total of 5,63,717 tested, 12,087 were tested positive till January 2014, he said.
Humtsoe also informed that the state had also recorded 781 (including 58 children) AIDS related death during the period.
In Dimapur alone, 14,461 were tested, out of which 862 were tested positive till April 2013 to March 2014, said District AIDS prevention and control unit (DAP&CU) while taking part in the discussion hour.
During the discussion, representatives of NGOs present have strongly appealed church leaders in the state to intervene with seriousness so as to create awareness from church perspective. 
In response to the appeal, convenor of Eyilo Ministry suggested that every church should take up the issue as a “mission project”. 
In her presentation, Hekali of Akimbo Society disclosed that the society has registered 875 Female Sex Workers (FSW) till date in Dimapur alone.
She said that out of this 91 were tested HIV positive. Hekali also said that the response from the non-local FSW was welcoming while most of the locals FSW did not want to come out fearing stigma and discrimination from society.
Some of the challenges faced by the NGOs while carrying out their works were also highlighted by Hekali.
According to Rev. K. Chumben Kyong, Eyilo Ministry, a wing of Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur (LBCD) was formed on April 19, 2009 to work with the people living with HIV & Aids in Dimapur.  Eyilo Ministry is dedicated to bring hope to these people, he said highlighting on the activities of the ministry.
Figures that matter (Till January 2014)
Total tested    Detected HIV+
5,63,717    12,087
Dimapur 
* 781 AIDS related deaths
* 91 FSW tested HIV+
The ministry focuses on two basic activities – spiritual nourishment and nutritional support.
On the spiritual nourishment, the ministry conducts fellowships with people living with HIV & Aids; home visits for the sick; conducting seminars in villages and towns etc.
The ministry also extends support in providing meals and foods to some families of the affected people while imparting educational supports to afflicted children.  
Earlier, the progamme stated with an invocation by president BPFD, Rev. Dr. Weyitee Loha and concluded with a benediction by pastor Town Baptist Church Dimapur, Rev. Vilodi Sakhrie.