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NCC cadets forming Red Ribbon human chain during the National Youth Day at Patkai College, Dimapur on January 12.[/caption]
Dimapur, Jan. 15: Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), along with 450 NCC cadets from 29 Indian States and 7 Union Territories, observed National Youth Day, under the theme “Live now: yes life , no HIV,” on January 12 at the ongoing special National Integration camp in Patkai College, Dimapur.
During the programme, Brigadier Nikam, National Cadet Corps, Group Headquarter, Kohima, while delivering the welcome address expressed gratitude to NSACS for coming forward to educate the young people about HIV & AIDS.
Metevinuo Sakhrie, Joint Director (IEC), NSACS, highlighting the significance of the day, urged the cadets to wake up the eternal energy and give efforts to make the country developed. She also mentioned that HIV & AIDS was a concern for the whole country, and that the event was an opportunity to learn and share the issues of HIV & AIDS.
Assistant director (Youth Affairs), Ainato Yetho, shared basic facts about HIV & AIDS: the four routes of HIV transmission and ways of prevention. He also mentioned about the importance of HIV testing, care support and treatment and facilities available to help and support the People Living with HIV.
Assistant director (VBD), Alipoker shared the importance of voluntary blood donation. Stating the fact that nothing can replace human blood, he encouraged the young people to be voluntary blood donors to save lives.
The programme was chaired by Thejangunuo Theunuo, deputy director (IEC), NSACS. On the occasion, participants also took pledge “to create awareness in my own capacity & influence to spread the message that prevention is the only cure for HIV and AIDS and work to eliminate stigma and discrimination.” Formation of Red Ribbon Human Chain and voluntary HIV testing was also conducted. A total of 23 cadets came forward for voluntary HIV testing.
Earlier, cadets were provided IEC materials and Red Ribbon badge- signifying hope and concern, love and support to the people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
The program was jointly organised by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), DH&FW anbd National Cadet Corps, Group Headquarter, Kohima.
