NMP+ sensitises on stigma & discrimination

Taking another step towards eradication of stigma and discrimination in HIV/AIDS, the Network of Mokokchung District People Living with HIV/AIDS (NMP+) has conducted at programme with the nursing students at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) on August 31 at the IMDH Chapel Hall.
The NMP+ members were led by its president IT Temsu Jamir, former NMP + president Toshi Sangpi, Central counsellor Peter Aley and NMP+ coordinator Archila Jamir. The sensitization programme, which is one of its kind in Nagaland, was sponsored by Bharti Infratel (Ltd).
Addressing the programme, NMP+ president T Temsu Jamir, has sensitized the nurses and health workers on the scenario of HIV/AIDS in Mokokchung. Speaking strongly against stigma and discrimination on HIV/AIDS, Temsu Jamir challenged the nurses and the IMDH to be torch bearers in the fight against discrimination on HIV/AIDS.
Former president of NMP+ Toshi Sangpi, while expressing regret over discrimination meted to persons living with HIV, urged the nurses to deliver the best of services to all irrespective of their status.
The counselor Vihaan NMP+, Peter Alley, who was the main resource person, cautioned that there is legal provision against discrimination of HIV/AIDs patients. Saying that there is ‘no comprehensive law in India to deal with the menace of HIV/AIDS and protect the people infected with the disease from discrimination and social stigma attached with this disease,’ Peter Alley however said that the Constitution of India provides ample provisions for persecution against health workers including nurses or doctors if they discriminate any patient coming for medical care at the health institution.
The programme was chaired by NMP+ Programme coordinator, Archila Jamir, while the Chaplin of IMDH, Wenyie, invoked God’s blessings. A question hour was also held where the nurses raised various questions regarding HIV/AIDS.
The sensitization programme at the IMDH is part of the NMP+ campaign against ‘stigma and discrimination’ on HIV/AIDS. The organization has more plans in the offing which would be disseminated to the public from time to time.