NSACS launched the CiTY BARN Health Centre in Mokokchung to provide youth-friendly health, counselling and HIV prevention services.
MOKOKCHUNG — Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Ajit Kumar Verma formally launched the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) CiTY BARN - The Health Centre in Mokokchung on Monday.
CiTY BARN Mokokchung is the fifth such centre in the state, following the establishment of centres at Kohima, Dimapur, Wokha and Tuensang, while plans are underway to establish another centre in Peren district.
Located at IM Road, Arkong Ward, near SBI Bazaar Branch, Mokokchung town, the centre aims to reach young people below the age of 24 by providing health-related information, counselling and support services in a safe and confidential environment.
The initiative is supported by Care & Support Society (C&SS), which has undertaken the project under NSACS.
It may be mentioned that NSACS collaborates with Adolescent Friendly Health Centres (AFHCs) through its innovative CiTY BARN initiative to address the increasing trend of HIV-positive cases among young people in Nagaland.
Speaking at the launch programme, the deputy commissioner said the CiTY BARN initiative, an innovation of the Government of Nagaland, is a unique project and expressed that Mokokchung is fortunate to have such a centre.
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Verma said the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) taking interest in the model and exploring its replication in different parts of the country is an achievement for the state.
He said that the centre would play an important role in preventive healthcare, adding that while the medical sector largely focuses on curative services, prevention is equally important to reduce health-related complications and social impact.
He emphasised the importance of creating awareness among the youth regarding sanitation, personal hygiene and overall health practices, stating that a healthy population is essential for achieving broader developmental goals.
Verma also highlighted the importance of local institutions in providing counselling and guidance. He stated that while digital platforms offer access to information, centres like CiTY BARN can offer localised support and assistance to young people dealing with personal, behavioural and health-related concerns.
Dr. Tiasunep, Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung, urged those involved in the centre to work with sincerity, commitment and empathy, stating that the initiative would cater to both the general public and vulnerable groups, including those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Delivering the "About us" presentation, Limatongzuk Jamir, programme officer, Care & Support Society, informed that C&SS is a non-profit organisation established in 1995 and registered in 2001 under the Societies Registration Act. The organisation is also registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 and Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Based in Mokokchung, the C&SS works across Nagaland by providing humanitarian support to underserved and vulnerable communities.
He said the centre is designed as a youth-friendly space where young people can access accurate information, counselling and support without fear of stigma.
The initiative focuses not only on HIV prevention but also on mental health, substance and tobacco use, sexual and reproductive health, life skills and overall well-being.
The services available at the centre include counselling, linkages to healthcare facilities such as TI, OST, ICTC, ART, STI, TB, hepatitis, mental health, adolescent clinics, rehabilitation services, sexual and reproductive health services and tobacco/substance abuse services.
Other facilities include an in-house helpdesk, anonymous question-and-answer facility, screening for HIV, syphilis, TB, hepatitis and STI, and linkages for GBV and mental health support.
The centre will also organise thematic health sessions with resource persons from relevant departments covering youth-specific STI and reproductive health, mental health, addiction counselling, testing and treatment, life skills and career counselling.