EMN
Mokokchung, August 31
Taking another step towards eradication of stigma and discrimination in HIV & AIDS, the Network of Mokokchung District People Living with HIV & AIDS (NMP+) conducted a programme with the nursing students at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) on Sunday at the IMDH Chapel Hall.
The NMP+ members were led by its president I T Temsu Jamir, former NMP + president Toshi Sangpi, Central Counsellor Peter Aley and NMP+ co-ordinator Archila Jamir The sensitization programme, which is one of its kind in Nagaland, was sponsored by Bharti Infratel (Ltd) . The NMP+, with the continued sponsorship of Bharti Infratel (Ltd) will continue to work for the cause in the Naga society. The NMP+ president T. Temsu Jamir, while speaking at the programme, sensitized the nurses and health workers on the scenario of HIV & AIDS in Mokokchung.
Speaking strongly against stigma and discrimination on HIV & AIDS, Temsu Jamir challenged the nurses and the IMDH to be the starting point in the fight against discrimination on HIV/AIDS.
The former president of NMP+ Toshi Sangpi, while expressing deep regret at discrimination meted out to HIV/AIDS, said that there were instances of HIV/AIDS at the IMDH. He urged the nurses to deliver the best of services to all, whether PLHA or not.
The counsellor Vihaan NMP+, Peter Alley, who was the main resource person, cautioned that there is legal provision against discrimination of HIV/AIDs patients.
Stating that there is ‘no comprehensive law in India to deal with the menace of HIV & AIDS and protect the people infected with the disease from discrimination and social stigma attached with this disease’, Peter Alley however said that the Constitution of India provides amble provisions for persecution, if health workers, be it nurses or doctors, discriminate against any patient coming for medical care at the health institution.
The programme was chaired by NMP+ Programme coordinator, Archila Jamir, while the Chaplin of IMDH, Wenyie invoked God’s blessings at the programme. A question hour was also held where the nurses raised various questions regarding HIV/AIDS.
The sensitization programme at the IMDH is part of the NMP+ campaign against ‘stigma and discrimination’ on HIV & AIDS. The organisation has more plans in the offing, which will be disseminated to the public from time to time.
