DIMAPUR — District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DISHA) observed World AIDS Day on December 1 at Nyamto Wangsha Assembly Hall, Konjong Higher Secondary School, KBBB Mission Centre.
The event was organised in collaboration with Mon Theological College (MTC), Shansham Organisation, Mon Users Network, Evergreen Welfare Society, Red Ribbon Club, and the District Legal Service Authority, with support from NSACS, stated a press release.
Speaking on the occasion, guest speaker Pakon Phom, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mon, said that despite many scientific improvements, AIDS can only be prevented.
He stated that it is challenging to reach the WHO's 2030 goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS because 39.9 million people globally are living with AIDS, and 1.3 million new cases were reported in 2023.
According to him, it is important to ensure that those who are infected receive the right medical attention, prompt and closely monitored medication, and proper medical care. Lastly, he stated that everyone should serve as ambassadors to help achieve the WHO's goal.
Assistant professor Rongsennungla, nodal officer of the RRC at Wangkhao Government College, Mon, declared the winners of the poster-making competition among the college's RRC members. The winners were presented with certificates and cash prizes by guest speaker Pakon.
Afterwards, a prayer and candlelight vigil were held in memory of lives lost to AIDS, accompanied by the song "Go Light Your World" by Ngamyoh K.
In Phek, the day was commemorated on the theme "Take the right path: my health, my right" at the Clock Tower in Phek town.
Speaking at the programme, special guest John Tsulise Sangtam, Deputy Commissioner of Phek, called upon the crowd, which included CSOs, NGOs, student bodies, dobashis, and others, stating that it is the job and responsibility to support and extend help to people living with HIV.
In this way, people living with HIV would not feel discriminated against and could take timely treatment to live a healthy life. He added that both people who are free from HIV and those living with HIV should be responsible individuals.
He encouraged people living with HIV not to fear but to come forward, take treatment, and live a healthy, normal life.
Exhortations were delivered by Dr. Rovingunuo Vakha, MO FI ART District Hospital Phek, and Chetezo Akami, deputy chairman of PTC.
Dr. Vakha informed that fear, stigma, and discrimination have been factors contributing to delayed treatment. She encouraged the participants to work towards completely removing stigma from society. She also urged people living with HIV to exercise their rights, including the right to health, within the community.
Chetezo stated that as a community, there is a need to contribute and support people living with HIV in whatever way possible. He also emphasised that education should be imparted within families to help prevent the further spread of HIV.
Yhunile Kesen, president of KNP+, stated that stigma and discrimination have caused most of the HIV-related deaths in society. She highlighted the importance of providing the right information on HIV&AIDS to the community so that stigma, discrimination, and other issues faced by people living with HIV can be reduced.
The programme was jointly organised by DISHA, DLN, ELF, LWS, and CSC Phek.