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Dimapur, Sep. 13 (EMN): In continuation with the Poshan Maah activities, Team Metamorphosis, Church leaders, Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) and Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH) organised a programme on “Innovative and suggestive actions: removal of stigma around Covid-19” on Saturday at Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall in Wokha.
A month-long event is being conducted in convergence with local administration and involving stakeholders in the district, an update informed.
Addressing the gathering, Sub-Divisional Officer Chonpenthung Ezung said that Poshan Maah is a month-long activity specifically made to target and sensitise about the importance of malnutrition. Right nourishment and proper nutrition can help prevent various diseases, he stated, adding that good nutrition is key to good health as it helps maintain and improve our health.
He also stressed on the importance of disseminating right information to do away with stigma and discrimination of doctors, frontline workers, sanitation workers and police personnel as they are rendering their best of services tirelessly to provide care and support during the pandemic crisis and added they deserve praise and appreciation.
Ezung thanked NGOs led by the Lotha Hoho, LSU, LYH and other civil societies for coming forward and extending their helping hand in the fight against the pandemic. He also highlighted on the importance of 3Ws -- wear mask, wash hands and watch your distance -- and appealed to all the civil societies to continue in helping the government in combating the disease.
Speaking on the topic ‘Removal of stigma around Covid-19’, Dr. Thungjanbeni S Patton said: “The virus is going to stay with us and it now our responsibility to take all precautionary measures by following SOP and guidelines for our safety.”
She asserted that one needs to understand the mental trauma that frontline workers and returnees are facing due to stigma and discrimination and urged all to extend support and care to let them overcome depression.
She reiterated that one needs to stop spreading wrong information and maintain privacy and confidentiality of the persons living with the virus.
District co-ordinator of Poshan Abhiyaan, Shanjothung Ngullie led the gathering in reading out the pledge. He also informed that so far 164 Poshan Maah activities have been carried out within the district since September 1. He called upon all to continue supporting for the successful conduct of the remaining events.