Participants hold candles during the International AIDS
Candlelight Memorial 2025 at Tizit Town Baptist Church, Mon district, on May
18.
DIMAPUR — The International AIDS Candlelight
Memorial 2025, themed “We remember. We rise. We lead” was observed on May 18
across Nagaland.
Kohima: The District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit
(DAPCU), in collaboration with Kohima Network of Positive People (KNP+),
observed the day at Marocchino Hall, Christ King Higher Secondary School,
Kohima, to honour those lost to HIV and AIDS and reaffirm the community’s
commitment to fighting HIV and AIDS through awareness, treatment, and
solidarity.
According to a DIPR report, delivering the keynote, Aching,
president of KNP+, highlighted the importance of the memorial in remembering
the lives lost and the struggles faced by people living with HIV.
Aching reaffirmed the network’s commitment to awareness,
treatment adherence, and combating stigma and discrimination, stating that they
remember those who have lost their lives to the virus and their struggle and
pain and will not let their lives be lost in vain.
Mushem shared a testimonial recounting her personal journey
with HIV, speaking of the stigma, the pain of loss, and the importance of
community support. She emphasised that while HIV remains a major global health
concern, adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables those living with
the virus to lead long and healthy lives.
Mon: The District Integrated Strategy for HIV and AIDS
(DISHA) Mon, in collaboration with TTBC Youth Ministry and Turning Point
Organisation, with support from the Nagaland AIDS Control Society (NSACS),
observed the day at Tizit Town Baptist Church (TTBC), Tizit.
Longyim Tzudir, DPO, DISHA Mon, briefing the gathering on
the significance of the day, mentioned that this year’s theme is not just about
remembrance but also about celebrating contributions and reaffirming the
commitment to end AIDS.
Longthrang, DIS, DISHA, highlighted the district HIV and
AIDS scenario, while the candlelight vigil was led by Wangnoun, an evangelist
from KBBB, Assam Enajori Mission.
Besides programme organisers, members of the Tizit Town
Students’ Union (TTSU), youth members of sister churches under Tizit town, the
TI Shansham Organisation, Mon, and SSHAKTI, along with well-wishers, attended
the event to show their solidarity.
Free and voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and
sexually transmitted infection (STI) services were provided by Mobile ICTC.
Wokha: DAPCU Wokha, People Living with HIV (WNP+), and
partner non-governmental organisations observed the day at Tenyimia Baptist
Church, Wokha. The event featured a speech on the HIV and AIDS scenario of
Wokha from Yanchibeni, counsellor, FI-ART.
Representing people living with HIV, Abeni, WNP+ president
of Wokha, shared her testimonial emphasising treatment options and the
importance of understanding and addressing the stigma associated with the
disease.
Dr. Thungchanbemo Ezung, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of
Wokha, while addressing the significance of the day, briefed participants on
the history of the first AIDS memorial service held in 1984, initiated by
activists and community leaders to honour the growing number of individuals
affected by the AIDS crisis.
He also urged participants to recommit to fighting stigma,
promoting prevention, and advocating for access to treatment and care.
The programme concluded with a silent prayer and candlelight
vigil in memory of individuals lost to AIDS. A free HIV screening booth was
also set up for voluntary testing, promoting HIV testing, education, and
prevention.
