Every year, World AIDS Day is held on the 1st December and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to strengthen the resolve to unite in the response to HIV, to commemorate people who lost their lives, acknowledge the progress made and recommit to ending the AIDS epidemic.
The theme for World AIDS Day this year is “Hands up for HIV prevention”. Emphasizing the different aspects of HIV prevention, this campaign also focuses on what prevention means, including for adolescent boys, girls and young women, key and vulnerable populations, and people living with HIV. Global and local evidence shows that the decline in new HIV infections among adults has slowed in recent years. Hence, prevention efforts must be reinvigorated to stay on the Fast-Track to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This has to be done while sustaining and strengthening treatment and care for people living with HIV.
When the HIV/AIDS epidemic first hit, it impacted numerous communities in devastating ways. Things have changed since that time, with numerous medical advances as well as greater social understanding, have able to substantially reduce the incidence of HIV, successful in taking care of those who are infected and affected – dramatically decreasing the morbidity and mortality due to it. However, we still have a long way to go and to keep the momentum going, as it still remains a pressing issue, with some younger generations growing up not as aware of the issues involved.
During World AIDS Day, in other part of the world, Government and Donors provides an award and recognition to the field worker for their contribution towards HIV response. However, it is very unfortunate here in Nagaland; the “Nagaland Targeted Intervention Employees Forum (NTIEF)” has to boycott the observation of World AIDS Day 2016, due toNACO/NSACS and State Government lackadaisical attitude towards the HIV and AIDS grass root workers. The non release of HIV grants to NGOs working in the field of HIV and AIDS field has left its grassroots staff without a salary for the last fiscal year (December 2015 to March 2016),”
It maybe noted, that NNagaDAO had organize a peaceful protest rally against NACO in Kohima on the 10th Nov 2016 for the non-payment of work done for HIV and AIDS intervention in Nagaland state and gave a representation to the Chief Minister of Nagaland. In respond to the peaceful protest rally, the Governor office had written to Chief Minister office on the dated 22nd Nov 2016 to take necessary action as deemed fit.
I strongly believed that Mr. TR Zeliang, hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland; will announce action taken by his office during the “World AIDS Day” program at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
Abou Mere
President, NNagaDAO and
Director, Kripa Foundation
