Kohima: The Project Director of Nagaland State AIDS Control Society Dr. Nandira Changkija, speaking on State level community event ‘Knowledge for Action Now’ under the theme ‘Fusion of Knowledge and Solidarity’ towards drug users, vulnerable women and People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) was held at Don Bosco in Dimapur, said solidarity and knowledge as wonderful words, but reminded that if those words are not put to action then it is of no use.
Dr. Nandira, who was the Chief Guest of the function yesterday, termed the essence of this event was to show solidarity towards the so called high risk groups and individuals while promoting better understanding among young people and communities on health, HIV and right issues.
Participants from Manipur and Nagaland from the core community of vulnerable women, Injecting Drug Users (IDU), PLHA, youths and school students were present along with the stakeholders. She said people decide what they want to do in life and sometimes things go wrong and that’s when the NGOs intervene to divert people to the right path. Dwelling on youth and the influence of the world, Dr. Changkija said no one is programmed like a computer, but God has given each individual a ‘special chip’ to choose and not get influenced by others.
A panel discussion on the theme was also conducted, where six panelists presented different issues and what approach is needed in the society to tackle them. Khekiho of Community Alliance brought out the issue of certain terminology used by the people while referring the Drug Users (DU) and IDU. He said the terms ‘addicts’ and ‘targeted people or vulnerable people’ are insensitive.
He also appealed the media avoid the word addicts but to use the term ‘people who use drugs’. As part of the initiative, there was also a poster and painting display followed by extempore speech on topic revolving around HIV, Drugs and Human Rights.
During the community knowledge sharing fair, IDU team Manipur, Community Alliance, Guardian Angel, Akimbo Society, Female Group of Manipur (PLHIV), Prodigals Home of Dimapur presented activities related to the issue. UNI)