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Dimapur, Dec. 2 (EMN): Baptist Theological College, Pfutsero, observed World AIDS Day with a difference by holding “original song composition” competition on the theme "Solidarity for the people living with HIV & AIDS".
An update received on Monday informed that the speaker of the event, director of Children and Education department, CBCC, Chiniehülü Rhakho, called upon the community to stand against social stigma towards people living with HIV & AIDS and to love them just as Christ would. She spoke this year’s theme “Communities Make the Difference".
The participants enthralled the gathering with their compositions. Judging panel -- Anuri Luruo, Dr. Akho Dazo and Zhalie Nienu – announced B.D 111 as the winner of the completion with their song titled "Not Alone", while B.D 11 was placed second for their song "Be the One"; B.D Orientation in third place for their song "Stand by You"; B.D 1 fourth for their song "Hold On"; and B.D 1V fifth for their song Love is the Cure".
The College community wore red ribbons as a symbol of awareness and solidarity with people living with HIV & AIDS.
World AIDS Day in Longleng
Along with the rest of the world, the District Health Society Longleng in collaboration with NGOs observed World AIDS Day on the theme ‘Communities make the difference’ at Bautung Higher Secondary auditorium hall on December 1.
The District Health Society Longleng informed through an update the deputy commissioner of Longleng, Shayung Phom who was the special guest of the occasion, encouraged everyone to support and help people living with HIV.
He appealed to all the NGOs to continue to extend their support, saying that communities contribute to the AIDS response in many different ways. Their leadership and advocacy ensure that the response remains relevant and grounded, keeping people at the centre and leaving no one behind, he stated.
He told the audience that ‘we are all a part of the community and if we want to change and make a difference, we should all help each other’. He also said that better mobilisation of communities is required to address the barriers and discrimination on people living with HIV.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Obangjungla, in her speech on the significance of the day, informed that tremendous work is on to fight against HIV/AIDS and that ART (Anti Retroviral Therapy) is used to treat HIV infected people to help them live a longer and healthier life. She said that observing World AIDS Day shows solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV besides raising global awareness, prevention and treatment.
World AIDS Day is a reminder to all humanity that the infection is still there, Obangjungla said, adding that communities have played a big role in the fight against HIV/AIDS and will continue to do so.
President of Phomla Hoichem Samthai Phom and retainer lawyer District Legal Service Authority Longleng, Mane Phom also spoke during the occasion.