Dimapur, Sep. 6 (EMN): The district consultation/follow up meeting on stigma and discrimination, Children Affected by Aids (CABA) uptake of social protection schemes and legal protection was organised by District Aids Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) in collaboration with Phek District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) at MS conference hall, District Hospital Phek on Sep. 5.
The president PNP+ Phek, Mese Lekro, speaking at the programme, stressed on the issue of stigma and discrimination faced by the Person Living with HIV (PLHIV) such as separation and segregation of PLHIV at village levels, excommunication of the PLHIV from the villages, non-acceptance in the society and also in the hospital for check-up.
He said that because of stigma and discrimination, PLHIVs are hesitant to go for check-up in their respective district and instead they prefer other districts hospitals in order to avoid stigma. Lekro also lamented that most of the PLHIV belongs to those living Below Poverty Line.
A representative from social welfare department highlighted one particular scheme among many i.e. Govt. grant-in-aid to a registered NGO looking after the PLHIV. The District Child protection officer, Ketobu, while highlighting that PLHIV in need of care and protection can avail help under ICPS, said that there is a scheme called sponsorship scheme for HIV infected child ( school going) Rs 1000/month.
Retainer lawyer, Mamang Singson, speaking on ways and measures to contain stigma and discrimination faced by the PLHIV, stressed on fundamental rights of a person and also appraised the people present that PDLSA will provide legal services in the form of availing social welfare schemes, complaint of stigma and discrimination etc.
Replying to a question regarding excommunication of PLHIV from the village, the Dist. Sessions Judge and chairman PDLSA, N. Longshithung Ezung said that such matter could be dealt by PDLSA by filing an application to the home commissioner for revocation of such order of excommunication or by filing a writ petition in the high court against such order.
He therefore encouraged the PLHIV present to report such matters to PDLSA so as to set a precedent to contain stigma and discrimination.
Altogether 21 beneficiaries attended the program, informed a press release received on Sep. 6.
LFA calls for church leaders involvement in HIV/Aids related issues
Underscoring the need for the involvement and participation of church leaders in HIV/AIDS related issues in the state, the Legislators’ Forum on AIDS organised advocacy programme at United College of Theology and Mission (UCTM), Dimapur on Sep. 3 2018.
A press release received here on Sep. 6, while informing about the programme, said that the State Consultant - LFA, Dr. Vinito L. Chishi highlighted the importance of Christian and church leaders’ involvement and participation in HIV/AIDS issues and concern in Nagaland.
While encouraging the students and the faculty members of the college to set an example for others by being an agent of change in responding to HIV/Aids issues, Chishi emphasised that theology must embrace ethical response towards People Living with HIV/Aids and consider them like any other affected people without any discrimination.
The release also stated that the other resource person, Hukatoli from LFA highlighted on social concern and responsibility as an individual.
