One-day sensitization and training on HIV & AIDS was held on August 24, for the officials of the department of Youth Resources and Sports at the conference hall of the directorate of Youth Resources and Sports at Kohima. The training was jointly organized by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society and directorate of Youth Resources and Sports.
Director, department of Youth Resources and Sports, Asangla Imti said that youth were the most important section of population, and therefore the involvement of the department was essential in the fight against HIV & AIDS. Asangla said that the department of YR&S was the appropriate forum for NSACS to co-ordinate and create awareness, and therefore requested the NSACS officials to work with five of the six wings under the department of YR&S, namely, the NSS, NYKS, Bharat Scouts & Guides, NCC, and the Music Task Force. She also urged the Youth Resources and Sports officials of the Department to address the issue in their annual calendar.
The sessions for the training included current HIV scenario and various services available in the state, basics of HIV and AIDS and stigma & discrimination, need for mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS programme, experiences and joint activities undertaken in the field of HIV prevention and discussion on the need for strengthening of Joint Working Group for Youth on HIV and AIDS.
The resource persons included Dr. Bernice D. Thapru, joint director (TI) NSACS, Dr. Mehokhu Zao, SMO, ART Plus Centre, NHAK, Mr. C. Theyo, State NSS Officer, Youth Resources and Sports; Metevinuo Sakhrie, joint director (IEC) NSACS and Ainato Yeptho, asst. director (YA) NSACS .
The training concluded with vote of thanks by Tarepnokcha Jamir, dy. director (MST), NSACS. Altogether 42 participants attended the programme which included officers of the directorate of YR&S, sports coaches of various disciplines, officials of NSS, NCC, youth resource officials and sports officials.