EMN
Dimapur, March 15
In its continued effort to spread awareness on Viral Hepatitis, the Hepatitis coalition of Nagaland (HepCoN) and NUN conducted two awareness programs at Jalukie Town and Medziphema Town on March 13 and 14 respectively.
The programs were jointly organized with FITA and NEDHIV NGOs, where more than 50 participants from Drug use background, staff of DAPCU, ICTC, OST and TIs were able to attend in both the programs.
During the programs, topics on the basics of Hepatitis, Hepatitis C as a silent Killer, how to test and treat Hepatitis C were discussed by Renbothung and Ketho from NUN as the resource persons. During the program tour to Jalukie, NUN also had a meeting with members of Peren Users Network (PUN) which was chaired by Rokozo, NUN president. The meeting mostly discussed about concerns pertaining to PUN and how to take the drug users movement forward in the district.HepCoN stated that the disease burden of Hepatitis C in the state is of high proportion and if appropriate measures are not taken to contain the disease, then infections will become more rampant. HepCoN also shared its concern about the high cost of treatment for those who are already infected and that due to this cost barrier; many are not able to start on Treatment.
It may be mentioned that HepCoN was formed in August 2013 in order to give a human response to Hepatitis in the state, particularly hepatitis C.
