HIV/AIDS: 578 people tested positive in Dimapur this year

Our Reporter
Dimapur, Nov. 15 (EMN): The chief medical officer of Dimapur, Dr. T Pangjung Sangtam has informed that out 7082 people being tested for HIV in Dimapur this year, 578 were tested positive, and out of 3325 pregnant women tested, 445 were tested positive.

Sangtam revealed this while speaking at the 9th Multimedia Campaign 2019, Dimapur Zonal Audition on the theme ‘Know your HIV status, get tested and treated’ conducted by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) and organised by District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) Dimapur at Town Hall Dimapur on November 15.

Stating that about 95 percent got infected with the virus through sexual activities, the chief medical officer also encouraged the gathering to work towards curbing the spread of the disease, citing that ‘Dimapur is a major prevalence place regarding HIV/AIDS.’

Sangtam went on to say that “creative HIV awareness” through music is being conducted in order to reach out to young adults and prevent them from getting HIV/AIDS. He said that so much needs to be done for the young people as highest number of patients belongs to those aged between 18 and 24.

Speaking on the occasion, SMO ART Plus Centre, Dimapur, Dr. Hotoka Hesso highlighted the current scenario of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland and said that the state has third highest HIV prevalence rate among the states in India. He added that 60 percent prevalence is from the age group of 15 to 35 years and 92 percent get the virus through heterosexual route. Lack of awareness of HIV/AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse, media influence in a negative way and materialisation are the main cause of getting the infection, he said.

Hesso said that creating positive music can help as music helps youths release or control emotion and help cope with difficult situations such as peer pressure and substance abuse. He added that making music provides teens the freedom to be “just be themselves.”

He told the gathering that knowledge is the best way for self protection and the only option to prevent it today is by adopting a “healthy behaviour and practices” that reduce the risk of infecting HIV. Best formula is ABC- abstinence, being faithful and protection, he added.

On the occasion, district zonal audition was also held with two bands from Dimapur participating and a guest band Yavana from Chumoukedima performed at the event.

‘Ignorance is no longer bliss’

(Our Correspondent)
Besides Dimapur, the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) also conducted Multi Media Campaign to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS through music for Kohima zonal audition at State Academy Hall on Friday. It was organised by the District AIDS Prevention Unit, Kohima on the theme ‘Know your HIV status, get tested and treated’.

The CEO of Kohima Smart City Development Corporation Limited and administrator of Kohima Municipal Council, Kovi Meyase, who was the guest speaker of the occasion, maintained that education and creating awareness with diligence can prevent spread of HIV/AIDS and he asked the people to be ambassadors of the cause. He added that various sections of people can collaborate to do away with the stigma associated with the disease and urged the youth to contribute in their own capacity for the movement.

While appreciating the NSACS for propelling awareness, Meyase asserted that music is such a potent form and medium for reaching out to the youth.

Earlier in the programme, the director of Life Ministries, Colo Mero gave a motivational talk to the gathering. Asserting that traditional programmes are failing to attract young people today, he said: “Music and sports are two very powerful tools to reach out to the young people today. The HIV/AIDS Awareness campaign through music is therefore very befitting”.

He maintained that ‘we live in a generation where young people are engrossed in physical relationship’ and stated ‘one has to be careful of the present day relationship.’ He added that the greatest testimonies are those who follow life’s principles by “preserving themselves” right from the beginning.

The speaker urged the youth to keep singing, keep sharing about creating awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS. “Your life is the most powerful campaign. Love yourself, love people, love God,” he added.

District AIDS Control Officer, DAPCU, Dr. Asunu Thong said in her welcome address that ‘one in four people with HIV do not know their status’ and she said: “It’s ok to know your status. Ignorance is no longer bliss.”

She highlighted that Dimapur district has highest number of people living with HIV in Nagaland, followed by Tuensang and Kohima districts. She also expressed the need to create more awareness.

The judges for the Kohima zonal audition were Mengu Suokhrie, Alfred Besű and Metevinuo Sakhrie; and Chubasenla made a special appearance.

Three bands — Fifth Note and Searching May from Kohima, and Pin Drop Silence from Kiphire — were selected for the grand finale at the state-level contest to be held on November 26 at The Heritage, Kohima.