Nagaland observes ‘World AIDS Day 2021’

 Nagaland joined the global community in observing the “World AIDS Day 2021” on the theme “End inequalities, End AIDS, End pandemics” on Wednesday. State health department, various civil society organisations (CSOs), NGOs and stakeholders have been actively increasing awareness and addressing the stigma surrounding the disease. On Wednesday, the “World AIDS Day” saw healthcare officers calling for an increased response to move towards ending HIV and addressing stigma in the state with concerted efforts.

State-level World AIDS Day observed in Dimapur to address ‘alarming situation’ in the district

In Dimapur, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) organised the “World AIDS Day” at IMC hall.

Delivering the keynote address, director of health and family welfare and NSACS project director Dr K Vikato Kinimi disclosed that with Dimapur being the highest HIV prevalent district in the state, the state-level World AIDS Day was observed in the district and in order to address the alarming situation. 

Dr Vikato appealed to all the stakeholders to help create innovative, workable and achievable strategies and policies so that they could mitigate and reduce HIV prevalence rate, reduce stigma and discrimination and also provide unending support to those infected and affected. “To achieve our goals, we should all support each other and come together as one entity so that we can make our goals a reality” Dr Vikato stated. 

Focusing on the theme he said that this year UN AIDS was highlighting the urgent need to end the inequalities that drive AIDS and other pandemic around the world.

The NSACS project director said that tackling inequalities was a long-standing global promise and that in 2015, the countries pledged to reduce inequalities within and between countries as part of the sustainable development goals.

Dr Vikato thanked the partnered NGOs, development partners and all stakeholders for the continuous support in combating and mitigating the impact of HIV & AIDS in the state over many years.

He pointed out that with the concern and involvement, things were getting better and encouraged all to gear up together to achieve the targets and goals. 

Short speeches were delivered by I Tech India technical expert, Abhina Aher, Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) Dimapur, Patkai Christian College, Dimapur RRC member Khakhuli Chishi, DLSA, Dimapur, voices of the community were shared by PLHIV Achobeni Mozhui, affected families and HRG.  

The programme was chaired by deputy CMO Dimapur Dr Antoly Suu, Bible reading and invocation was said by Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur Thenjamo Tsanglao, significance of the day was presented by NNP+ president Lanu Aier and special song by NUN Jabu and friend and cantamus choir.

Highlights of the day included a minute of silence for those who lost their lives to AIDS and release of story book series on HIV & AIDS & A/V presentation. 

Later, vote of thanks was delivered by NSACS joint director (IEC) Metevinuo Sakhrie.

Kohima: World AIDS Day was observed at the LCS building, Kohima. The programme was organised by District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) along with KNP+ and targeted intervention NGOs with Rev Vezopra Rhakho as special guest.

The special guest emphasised on the need for churches to come together and step forward and help fight the epidemic.

Zunheboto: World AIDS Day 2021 was observed at Nito Mount Theological College, Zunheboto Town organised by District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) with deputy CMO, Dr. Akaho Awomi as guest of honour. 

In a press release, district media officer, Keneikhrietuo informed that the deputy CMO highlighted the objectives of AIDS to create public awareness.

He said that the people should express solidarity to those people living with HIV & AIDS and remember those who lost their lives from HIV related disease. 

Dr. Akaho stated that HIV & AIDS was manageable and that they should avoid stigma and discrimination and rather create equal opportunity and treatment to those living with the disease. 

Longleng: District health society (DHS) Longleng observed World AIDS Day at Ao Baptist Church Longleng. The programme was initiated by District AIDS Control Society (DACS) Longleng.

A press release from the chief medical office informed that during the programme, chief medical officer Dr Obangjungla spoke on the significance of the day and highlighted the 2020 world statistics.

CMO said that one of the main reasons for observing the day was to rededicate people towards achieving the goals they had set to reduce the prevalence of the disease through a series of activities including awareness, prevention, testing, treatment and destigmatise people affected by the disease.

Medical superintendent DH, Dr Kibangkumba while speaking on the theme said that ending inequalities and AIDS depended on the people.

He also said that as responsible citizens and leaders, the people could achieve the goal to end HIV & AIDS epidemic by 2030.

He requested participants not to stigmatise people living with HIV & AIDS but to contribute morally and physically.

Phek: Phek observed the day at Wetshelo T. Mero memorial hall, district hospital Phek with SDO (C) Phek Zhoi Lohe as special guest.

Zhoi Lohe said that since a target had been made to end HIV epidemic by 2030, collective effort from every individual and organisation was required to address barriers and issues and to take forward the plans and policies. 

Dwelling on the gravity of the infection among productive age group, he encouraged the implementing department to create awareness at schools, colleges and colonies.

He also asked the participants not to discriminate people living with HIV & AIDS but rather encourage them to be a part of the social system.

DLN president, Phek Mese Letro gave a brief testimony and called upon the participants to provide care and support services to PLHIV communities. 

DIS Hierhotho Kajiri presented HIV scenario in the district while CMO Phek Dr. Khriezotuo Paphino exhorted the gathering and encouraged the programme implementers to put more effort in combating HIV & AIDS.

Wokha: DAPCU Wokha/TINGOs organised World AIDS day was organised by at Bhandari town hall.

Addressing the gathering as special guest, ADC Bhandari Tiameren Chang encouraged the parents to be role models and urged all to do away with stigma and discrimination against the people living with HIV & AIDS.

Lichumo Odyuo DPO, DAPCU Wokha briefly spoke on HIV & Aids scenario in the state and Wokha.

The theme speaker was Dr Caroline SMO (CHC) Bhandari.

Noklak: World AIDS Day was observed in the conference hall of the DC Noklak.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Noklak, Hiazu Meru stated that Noklak had high cases of HIV & AIDS and on this, he requested stakeholders to create awareness at all levels.

He also called upon CSOs and religious leaders to continuously support in spreading awareness to control the transmission in the district.

Senior medical officer, district hospital, Dr. Victor NC in his keynote address highlighted on the overall scenario of HIV status in the district and the functioning of the ART Center, Noklak. He challenged everyone to take steps, create awareness and to come forward voluntary for HIV testing.

The programme was organised by District Hospital, Noklak in collaboration with TI under KBCA, Noklak and district administration, sponsored by NSACS.

Kiphire: Kiphire observed World AIDS Day in the conference hall of district hospital Kiphire.

DPO- DAPCU Tsiatsuvi said among all the awareness, HIV & AIDS related awareness was one of the longest running awareness programmes in the world.

She urged apex leaders to encourage and support those people living with HIV & AIDS and to disseminate information on availability of medical services provided by the H&FW department.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Joe Mariadhas also urged people to come forward and collectively fight against the epidemic. He advocated for sex education to be taught in schools so that young people would be safe.

Mon: DAPCU Mon in collaboration with key partners, supported by NSACS observed the day in the conference hall of district hospital, Mon.

DAPCU Mon informed that while speaking on the theme, MD, DH, Dr C Longe Peter talked about inequality surrounding the disease.

Dr. Longe stated that there should be easy access to prevent, diagnose and treat every citizen in need. 

He pointed out that one of the main concerns of HIV & AIDs in the community was being ashamed to talk about it. 

Tuensang: Tuensang district observed World AIDS Day in the CKS hall. Addressing the event as guest speaker, Dr. Utkarsh, RMO 7 Sector AR Tuensang said that people should not fear the disease as it could be controlled with the effort from everyone. 

Positive voice was given by NTDP+ president, Tainiu where she shared the problems and challenges faced by people living with HIV & AIDs.

She called upon the NGOs and Church leaders to create awareness about the disease and come together to fight with collective effort. 

Keynote address was delivered by DPO (DAPCU) Chongshen C. Chang while district scenario was shared by Akito, M&E, DAPCU.