Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 1
With high prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis in Nagaland, there is an urgent need for all stakeholders to work together collaboratively with concerted effort to initiate programmes which are relevant, effective and comprehensive to respond against HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis.
Speaking at the World AIDS Day programme today at State Academy Hall, Kohima, the Director of Kripa Foundation, Abou Mere, urged upon the all the health workers, social activists, politicians, civil society, churches and the student community “to examine our respond and contribution towards controlling new HIV transmission and HIV related deaths.”
He, however, lamented stating that “the lack of political will and action from our government is hampering HIV/AIDS programme in the State.”
“Hampering HIV/AIDS programme will only lead to many new infections in the State and we will be facing grave challenges with more financial burden if immediate step is not taken,” he remarked adding that “the hope for ending the communicable diseases (HIV and Hepatitis B & C) depends largely on our ability to provide the required leadership, uninterrupted resources for prevention and treatment programmes to all who are in need.”
He hit out at the State government wondering as to why the funds for HIV programmes, a life saving money, needed to be kept in Civil Deposit for months.
“This is weakening HIV intervention programmes and thereby putting our people’s life at risk,” he stated.
He also mentioned the need for the State to develop ‘drug policy’ to ensure a collective response to address the multi-dimensional problems of drug related health and human rights issue, and further to prevent the catastrophic loss of human life in Nagaland.
Project Director of Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), Dr. Meguosielie Kire urged upon the gathering to make World AIDS Day as an opportunity “to reaffirm our efforts and commitment to the theme and vision of “Getting Zero: Zero new infection, zero discrimination and zero HIV related deaths.”
“This day is observed to draw the attention to the HIV pandemic around the world, to raise awareness of HIV, to remember our loved ones who have died of HIV and AIDS, to show solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS and to celebrate survival and health,” he said.
Mentioning the statistics, he said, since January 1999 to October 2015, a total number of 8,11,101 people have been tested for HIV, wherein, 19,097 have been detected as HIV positive. To this, Dr Kire encouraged every individual to come forward and get their HIV test done, because it is only through HIV test where a person will come to know his/her HIV status.
It was also made known that HIV prevalence among pregnant women is highest in Nagaland (1.16%), followed by Mizoram (0.97%).
He informed that the NSACS is providing care, support and treatment services for People Living with HIV positive through Anti Retro Viral Therapy (ART) centres and Link ART centres.
“Stigma and discrimination against HIV and AIDS and self stigmatization has been one of the major factors in prohibiting clients to avail services, it is time we equip ourselves with the correct information about HIV and AIDS and be more responsible with our attitude,” he said.
The director NSACS also lauded the faith based organizations, NGPs, various stakeholders and government departments for coming forward to support the people living with HIV and further voicing against stigma and discrimination in the society.
The special guest of the day, Neivor Rutsa, chairman, Kohima Village Council, urged the gathering and all the stakeholders to render their best service towards humanity and mankind.
Rutsa also later flagged off a group of cyclists who went touring Kohima city.
The programme commenced with invocation pronounced by Nitoshe Zhimomi, associate pastor, Sumi Baptist church, Kohima, while a special song was presented by Benathung Humtsoe, winner, Music Awards of Nagaland 2012. The benediction was pronounced by Zakevi Kensen, youth pstor, Rengma Baptist Church, Kohima.
