Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUGUST 12
Along with the rest of the world, International Youth Day was observed in Kohima at the IG Sports Academy under the theme ‘Youth Civic Engagement’ and sub-theme ‘Kadam Badhao- A Step Towards Change’.
The day is observed to raise awareness about the importance of youth participation and engagement and its benefits to the individual and to society, including sustainable development as well as resilience and wellbeing.
The event in Kohima, organized by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS), focussed on HIV and AIDS awareness amongst the young populace.
The youth are considered to be most vulnerable to HIV with 59% of HIV positive cases in Nagaland being from the age group of 15 to 34 years. A NSACS official disclosed that till June 2015, 92% HIV cases were transmitted through sexual contact.
Speaking on the topic ‘Youth and HIV’, NSACS deputy director, Thejangunuo Theünuo said adolescence is a stage where a person undergoes many changes, however she cautioned against giving in to peer pressure and choosing wrong paths. She exhorted the young gathering that they are in a risky stage of their lives and they would not have a good testimony for the rest of their lives if they failed to choose a good path.
The official stated that HIV and AIDS used to be confined to IDU community in the initial years but the present scenario has changed as HIV is among the public sphere. She pointed out that a 2014 data indicated 65% HIV cases were among the age group between 12-40 years.
“This is a matter of great concern as no cure has been found till date….. Prevention is the only cure right now,” she stated.
She underscored that the youth can prevent the growth of HIV cases by learning the right knowledge about HIV and AIDS and creating awareness to their family and friends. The official said the young generation has to be aware of basic knowledge such as the four routes of HIV transmission which include unprotected sexual contact, sharing infected needle/syringe, mother to child by not availing treatment, and infected blood transfusion. Towards this, she informed that till June this year, 92% of the total HIV cases were recorded to be transmitted through sexual contact.
She also highlighted on how to know one’s status, and that abstinence is the only way to prevent from getting infected.
Emphasizing on the stigma and discrimination that are commonly attached to persons living with HIV (PLHIV), the official said, “If you know anyone who is HIV positive, don’t stigmatize or discriminate them.” She elaborated that HIV is not transmitted by social contact and PLHIVs need love and support. She said that zero new infection, zero discrimination and zero HIV related deaths are achievable targets if there is more participation amongst the youth in sharing the right information about HIV.
DYRS state liaison officer, C Theyo, in his speech, stated that the International Youth Day is observed to let the youth know their responsibility. He said a strong and powerful youth is needed today to build the Naga society and an aware youth can bring forth a better and vibrant future to the people. He also dwelled on the relevance of the theme of the day and called upon all the young people to join hands in taking responsibility for the society to progress.
Earlier, NSACS joint director Metevinuo Sakhrie highlighted the significance of the day.
Following the programme, the gathering signed a pledge and made a human chain formation in the shape of the red ribbon, which is the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV, to express their solidarity to PLHIVs and pledge to take steps towards change.
