‘Northeast united against HIV and Aids’

Nagaland hosts region’s first anti-HIV/Aids multimedia campaign in Kohima

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 18 (EMN): The first ‘Northeast multimedia campaign’ to combat HIV and Aids in the region was held based on the theme ‘Northeast united against HIV and Aids’ at Khuochiezie in Kohima on Monday.

The campaign was an initiative of the National Aids Control Organisation (Naco) hosted by the Nagaland State Aids Control Society (Nsacs) and government of Nagaland. It witnessed a ‘multimedia music competition’ among participants from the eight Northeast states; a theatre performance by the Dreamz Unlimited; and performances from Alobo Naga, Tetseo sisters, Nise Meruno, Guru Rewben Mashangva, Bozio Neinu, Moko Koza, and Linka.

“The event is significant to the Northeast and this is one mediums to reach out to the youth and general population with the message of HIV prevention, care, and treatment,” according to the minister of Family and Health Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom.

He was concerned that three states from the Northeast—Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur—were leading the HIV prevalence rate in the country. Phom also highlighted some hurdles that make the NE states even more challenging in addressing issues concerning HIV and Aids. They included “topographical location, communication connectivity and physical infrastructure; multi-ethnic and multi-cultural diversity between the states or even within a single state, and the low economic resources.”
He urged the Naco to consider those challenges and work out strategies, allocate resources accordingly.

The minister assured that the commitment to achieve the 90-90-90 target by 2030 is “much appreciated and well received at the state level, at least for us, Nagaland.” He went on to say that the PDA-led government has been “supportive (to), and concerned about” the issue. In fact, the legislators have been contributing INR 1 lakh each to the Legislators’ Forum on Aids since the past ten years, he said.

Further, Phom urged the Naco to facilitate the installation of viral load machine at the earliest for the benefit of the PLHIV in Nagaland. The state also requires technical and financial support of Naco to implement the HIV and Aids, Bill 2017 ‘in its true sense and spirit,’ he added.

The principal secretary of Health and Family Welfare, I Himato Zhimomi told the participants, mostly students, to “remember that each and every single one of you here should not take life casually.” He advised the students to respect others, respect oneself, and respect one’s bodies.

The deputy director general of Naco, Naresh Goel said that music was the best medium to spread the message of safe and responsible behaviour among the youth. “Although knowing the reason for the spreading of HIV is important, it is more vital to know how HIV does not spread,” he added.

Goel encouraged the students to become instruments against stigma and discrimination. “The problem is more in the NE states. We are unable to reach out to those who are vulnerable to HIV and Aids,” he said.

The greatest barrier

The president of Network of Naga People Living with HIV, Lanu Aier said that the group has been working for the past 16 years for the welfare and empowerment of PLHIV.

The HIV prevalence rate in Nagaland has been ranked third highest in the country and—we are yet to break down stereotypes, stigma, and discrimination—he said.
Though the ‘scenario’ has improved over the years, he said, the ‘issue of stigma and discrimination has been the greatest barrier in accessing treatment.’ This in turn, Aier pointed out, leads to increase in the spread of HIV.

He encouraged everyone to come forward for testing and treatment without the fear of stigma and discrimination. He felt that the youth are the one who should play a pivotal role in combating HIV and Aids by equipping themselves with information and knowledge.

Aier urged the state government, civil societies, and stakeholders to extend support by providing social protection and other benefits, especially to PLHIV from economically weaker section. He also requested Naco to ensure smooth flow in supply chain and stock management of ART.

He further appealed to the state government and the department concerned to intervene during stock out crisis as missing a dose will affect the treatment and develop drug resistance among the users.

He encouraged all to get tested and know their HIV status; do away with stigma and discrimination; and accept PLHIV as they are and continue to work and advocate for a HIV-free generation.

Sixty schools and 20 colleges from Kohima district participated at the event.