EMN
Dimapur, October 17
In an effort to contain and create wider awareness especially among the general populace on HIV & AIDS, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) through its development Department (Nagaland Development Outreach- NDO) has been taking the lead role in organizing the advocacy program across the state with special focus on the church leaders.
NDO in partnership with the Legislatures’ Forum on AIDS (LFA) organized programs in strategic locations where the need was felt more for such education.
On October 15, NDO along with the Zeme Baptist Association (ZBA) organized a one-day advocacy program at ZBA Mission Centre at Nsong the last frontier close to the border of Manipur and Assam.Vikheho Chisho from NDO informed the participants on the clear policy of NBCC framed on HIV and how to address and contain the issue from the church perspective.
In the first session, Simon Pame (GNM, NRHM at Nsong sub-centre spoke on the basics on HIV & AIDS, How it is transmitted and How to prevent.
The resource person gave information on global scenario of HIV where he also highlighted some of the principles framed by the WHO in detecting HIV and how to prevent. The resource person also again shared some important issues on how to control HIV and what we can do as responsible citizens when someone is HIV Positive and also referral mechanism to service providers.
In the second session, the Executive Secretary of ZBA shared on the Care and Support for HIV infected person, reducing stigma and discrimination from the church perspective. The resource person challenged the participants by drawing some biblical lessons particularly on the ministry of Jesus to the sick and dying people. “We the church leaders today should also try to imitate and live our life in caring and supporting those who are in need.”
IEC materials on HIV related information supplied by NSACS were also distributed during the training.
Altogether there were 92 participants comprising church leaders, student leaders, public leaders, village G.B’s, women group and other representation from civil societies.
They also resolved to love and care HIV patient as much as we love ourselves; To deliver HIV related messages from time to time in local churches and other community programs; Requested to organize such awareness programs even in near future through NDO or any organization. Teachers and educators also resolved to share with their students.
