Integrated Health Campaign launched in Wokha to boost HIV awareness, testing

DIMAPUR — The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) officially launched the Integrated Health Campaign (IHC) in Wokha district on June 26 at the Deputy Commissioner's conference hall.

According to a DIPR report, the campaign was aimed at enhancing awareness, improve early testing, and ensure timely treatment of HIV and other health concerns among the general population.

Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Vineet Kumar, in his address, highlighted the concerning prevalence of HIV in Nagaland and stressed the need for urgent and collective intervention.

The DC highlighted the increasing infection rate and expressed concern that psychological barriers and fears deter people from getting timely HIV tests.

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Calling for proactive community involvement, Kumar urged civil society organisations and local leaders to mobilise citizens and encourage early testing and access to available treatment services.

A detailed presentation was made by Joint Director, H&FW and State Nodal Officer for IHC, Dr. MC Longai Phom. He identified 14–49 age group as the most vulnerable and impacted demographic—also the most economically and socially productive age range.

Reviewing the district-level HIV data over four years, Dr. Phom stressed the importance of ongoing awareness efforts and highlighted designated campaign sites for focused testing and service provision.

Project Director of NSACS, Dr. Ahu Sekhose, in his keynote address, emphasised India’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2030 and spoke about collaborative efforts being made by various organisations toward this mission.

Dr. Sekhose also elaborated on the ‘95-95-95’ Campaign, which strives to achieve 95 percent HIV testing coverage through the IHC. While the state of Nagaland has reached 85 percent coverage, Wokha remains significantly behind at 24 percent—prompting the focused launch of this campaign in the district.

Pointing out that over 90 percent of HIV transmissions occur through sexual contact, he reiterated the importance of awareness, accessible testing, and follow-up treatment.

In addition to HIV testing, the campaign will also screen for blood pressure, tuberculosis, and other common health conditions. He further appealed for active cooperation from community-based organizations and village leaders to ensure the campaign’s success.

Earlier, District AIDS Control Officer, Dr. Akum Jamir, in his welcome address, acknowledged the efforts behind the campaign and introduced the core objective of making testing kits and medical services readily available, and accessible to the general population.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by District Programme Officer, Lichumo Odyuo, who appreciated the contributions of all stakeholders.

“The integrated health campaign is expected to make a significant impact in Wokha district by improving early detection rates and promoting a healthier and more informed community,” the report added.