Kohima, January 24 (MExN): A stakeholder’s sensitisation and advocacy workshop on HIV/AIDS under the theme ‘Fight against HIV/AIDS & drugs still on’ was held at the DC Conference Hall, Noklak on January 22.
The workshop was organised by Kripa foundation, District Administration, Noklak Police and NSACS with the support from I-TECH, India.
In her speech, Noklak Superintendent of Police Dr Pritpal Kaur stated that tackling healthcare should be a priority for a frontier district like Noklak, and the district must work hard in every field and lead from the frontlines.
“The problem of HIV-AIDS and drugs is the biggest challenge for our youth for which every stakeholder should work hand in hand. Police will take measures against drugs menace by checking supply routes, peddlers, etc., and simultaneously will make efforts to spread awareness amongst the youth for pursuing their careers instead of drugs,” said Dr Kaur. The SP also reminded that “no discrimination can be done in any job because of HIV AIDS as per HIV Act 2017.”
State Co-ordinator ITECH, North East Technical Support Unit NACO, Khyuchamo P Ezung spoke on the HIV scenario and response in Nagaland with special focus on Noklak while sharing his own testimony on drug abuse.
A talk on the HIV/AIDS Acts 2017, NDPS Act and harm reduction was delivered by Nagaland Kripa Foundation Director Abou Mere where he highlighted on the various sections of the law and the necessity to keep a check on KFT, LFT and Hepatitis C. Mere also cited Sec 64 and 39 of the NDPS Act which can be used to help drug addicts get back to their normal lives. He also stated that PLHIV cannot be denied any assignment or job because of their HIV positive status and no one can force anyone to get tests done without consent except when mandated by the written laws.
In the open discussions, KTC, President Thangou stressed on the need of a fully functional ART center in the district citing the difficulty for villagers to reach Tuensang from far flung villages to avail 6 months medicine for HIV and AIDS.
KMH, President, Newkhoi also added that traveling to another district to avail medicines for HIV/AIDS patients is an economic burden for many, and hence, stressed on the need for an ART center at Noklak with proper diagnostics and medical teams.
Dr Chongnya from the Medical Department shared about the inhibitions by the PLHIV to take medicines because of stigma and lack of awareness. Concerns were also shared by KBCA-TI Project person Samuel, Red Cross society Noklak, Lachumong, KSU and TSU member. The need to build regular awareness campaigns at the school level, and engaging the young in career enhancing activities rather than drugs or other substance abuse were also highlighted.
Meanwhile, ARK Foundation President Ketho Angami urged the coordinated efforts of all to tackle the menace of HIV & AIDS and drug addiction with compassion and tactics.
Noklak Deputy Commissioner Reny Wilfred delivered the closing remarks stating that the cooperation of all stakeholders is crucial to tackle the HIV& AIDS and drugs menace. The DC urged all the Departments to work effectively along with the Medical department.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by SI Mongthei Khiamniungan, while the welcome address was delivered by President Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam, Newkhai. Invocation was pronounced by Chaplain Muno, Police Baptist Fellowship, Noklak and vote of thanks delivered by Project Manager TI project, Noklak, J Khumong.
.jpg)
