Family Planning Association of India (FPA India), Nagaland Branch on Saturday launched “Community Action – HIV Prevention and Risk Reduction” at Chandmari here in the presence of commissioner and secretary, health and family welfare, Menukhol John.\nSpeaking at the launching programme, Menukhol John congratulated FPA India, Nagaland Branch for starting innovative approach to contain HIV through community based programs. He felt that the programme should be replicated all over the state.
\nMenukhol John also appealed parents to start talking about the dangers of drug addiction, HIV and other “lifestyle” diseases within their homes to allow effective community movement and participation for HIV prevention.
\nHe further stressed the need for all agencies to network together including the community, NGOs, People Living with HIVs (PLHIVs) and those affected, to share their stories and help in the prevention, stabilization, halting and reversing the spread of HIV through community movement.
\nDelivering welcome address branch manager, V. Vincent Belho said the components of the community mobilization for HIV awareness campaign would include sexual reproductive health, HIV, AIDS and drug addiction.
\n“Services such as mobile VCT, PPTC, STI diagnosis, management and treatment, referrals and others would be provided to targeted high risk population besides information and empowerment through community programs,” said branch manager.
\nKNP+ general secretary, Seyikuolie while sharing his experiences on living with HIV said about the four routes of HIV transmission and necessity of being vigilant to stay away from been infected, and added that life becomes fragile and expensive with infection.
\nAnother recovering addict, Jungshi urged the communities to come forward to assist in the awareness of drug addiction and HIV prevention.
\nMeanwhile, FPAI Nagaland branch expressed gratitude to commissioner secretary, Menukhol John; officers of NSACS; Dr. L. Ralte, CMO, Kohima; Dr. Vezokholu DTO, Kohima; Vizopal Chaya, KMC; KNP+, Kripa Foundation Nagaland; Kekhrie Foundation; YARD; NNP+ and NUN for their support. It also acknowledged panchayat members of both upper and lower colony for taking ownership of the program along with its youth volunteers.
\nIt may be mentioned that an outreach service program is aimed at advocacy and community mobilization to take ownership of HIV awareness generation program.
\nFPA India, Nagaland Branch endeavor to reach out to 20 colonies of Kohima town and 30 villages of the district to be culminated by March 2010.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"