DIMAPUR — BZ Entertainment, a drama and film society, has embarked on its second phase of district tour of street play to elevate HIV awareness in Nagaland through an expansive 60 shows.
Collaborating with the Nagaland State Aids Control Society (NSACS), the initiative aims to enlighten communities across the state on HIV transmission, prevention, testing and the imperative need to combat stigma and discrimination.
An update from the organisation stated that the inaugural show ignited excitement in Dimapur on October 10 starting from Railway bazaar. It was followed by similar programmes at Notun Bosti near City Tower, Burma Camp bazaar, Purana bazaar junction, 4th Mile bazaar junction, Chümoukedima, Medziphema town Friday bazaar, Seluophe, Sovima and Ikishe village junction, Peace camp near Dhansiripar CHC, Kuhuboto town junction, 7th Mile Block-4, Chümoukedima Saturday bazaar.
It stated that BZ Entertainment's ambitious plan involves delivering 10 impactful street plays in each district, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging outreach.
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It added that the carefully crafted street play/ drama weaves together essential facts about HIV by emphasising its routes of transmission and the crucial role of testing.
It informed that following each performance, the NSACS mobile integrated counseling and testing centre (MICTC) team would provide free blood tests for HIV and counseling services, delivering vital information and support to the audience.
To further empower the audience, it stated that BZ Entertainment is taking an extra step by pasting the district programme officer's (DPO) contact details at every venue. The initiative would enable the attendees to inquire about their HIV status and seek further assistance.
BZ Entertainment believed in the transformative power of art and culture to drive societal change. It further stated that the collaboration stands as a beacon of their commitment to using creative expression as a catalyst for positive transformation.