Immanuel College organises awareness programme on HIV&AIDS

DIMAPUR — The Red Ribbon Club of Immanuel College, Dimapur, in collaboration with NSS and Art and Drama Club, conducted an awareness programme on HIV & AIDS on the theme ‘Breaking stigma, embracing humanity' on October 29 at the college auditorium.

The resource person for the event was Mhalelhou Albert Yhome, counsellor of BYWC, Citybarn, The Health Centre, Dimapur, the college stated in an update.

In his speech, the resource person stated that the theme ‘Breaking stigma, embracing humanity’ carries a deep message, “reminding us that how we treat others defines who we are as individuals and as a community. It also encourages us to treat everyone with kindness and understanding.”

Yhome highlighted that Nagaland has the second highest HIV prevalence rate in the country after Mizoram. He stressed that the choices we make — to protect ourselves, to get tested, and to educate others — can significantly influence both one’s personal well-being and future of society.

The speaker pointed out that one of the biggest challenges in the fight against HIV was not the virus itself but the stigma surrounding it. He noted that many people associated HIV with moral failure and shame, leading to judgment, isolation, and discrimination, sometimes even from their own families, and that such attitudes discouraged people from getting tested, allowing the virus to spread further in the community.

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He further stated that education is the key to equipping oneself with the right knowledge and spreading awareness, which could remove fear and discrimination.

Yhome explained that HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, particularly the CD4 cells, a type of white blood cells that help defend our body from infections. He added that, however, with proper medication, a balanced diet, and care, people living with HIV could live a long and healthy life.

He reminded the gathering that HIV does not discriminate and therefore their response must also be free from discrimination. He emphasised that just as HIV do not choose whom to infect, they must not choose who to love, support, or respect, and that everyone living with HIV deserves dignity, care, and compassion.

Yhome urged them to rise above prejudice and replace negative judgments with acceptance and support to truly embrace humanity.

The programme also featured drama, poetry recitation, solo performance, dance and Red Ribbon pledge.

The event was chaired by Japhet and welcome address was delivered by Ngipsho M Konyak, convenor of RRC.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Abenthung, NSS Programme Officer and the event concluded with benediction by Angap Konyak, NSS Programme Officer.