The Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) inaugurated CiTY BARN Wokha, ‘The Health Centre,’ in Wokha town, with Deputy Commissioner of Wokha Vineet Kumar as the chief guest. In his address, Vineet Kumar remarked that the center has been launched at a crucial time, as Wokha district has reported a high number of drug users and related substance abuse cases.
He expressed hope that the center would help the youth involving in drug abuse and motivate them to change their lifestyles. Kumar encouraged the community to promote the center and utilize it as a learning resource to better understand and support those struggling with drug addiction.
He also urged the project officials to document success stories that could inspire other drug users to quit. Kumar emphasized that drugs, AIDS, and crime are interconnected issues that require a collective effort to overcome it.
He called on all sections of society to unite in the fight against these social evils and wished the center success in its mission to save lives.
District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU), Wokha, District Programme Officer (DPO), Lichumo Odyuo highlighted that the district currently has 325 registered individuals undergoing HIV Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
Centre coordinator for NUN CiTY BARN Wokha Kevizale-e Kera provided an overview of the project, noting that it will offer services such as counselling and HIV and TB screenings for youths under 24. She described the center as a youth-friendly drop-in space designed to identify and support youth engaged in perilous activities.
In his vote of thanks, NUN Project Director Kevinguto Khamo informed that the Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) is the first state-level Drug Users’ Network in the country, established on May 26, 1999, to advocate for the rights of drug users and to push back against punitive measures that criminalize drug use in the state. NUN’s mission is to improve the quality of life for drug users and people living with HIV in Nagaland through its involvement in planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of effective policies.
The event was attended by representatives from the Department of Social Welfare, ART, Bharat Scout and Guides, Mental Health District Hospital, Eloe Hoho, NUN-LWS Wokha, NUN-TI Wokha, DAPCU Wokha, and local church members.