Kohima: As per the 2014 Sentinel Surveillance Report, Nagaland has recorded the highest prevalence of HIV & AIDS in the country with an alarming ratio of 0.88 per cent against country’s figure stands at 0.37 per cent.
According to the Medical Officer in-charge of Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre, Dimapur, Dr Hutoka Sema, while presenting a lecture on ‘basic of HIV & AIDS & treatment facilities available’ at an advocacy programme on HIV/AIDS for Kuhuboto and Khaghaboto areas at Kuhuboto town under Dimapur district on Saturday.
Highlighting the purpose of ART to the gathering, Dr Hukato also pointed out that youth were more vulnerable to the virus.
Addressing the programme, MLA & Chairman, Development Authority of Nagaland N Jacob Zhimomi said the prevalence and increase in the ratio of HIV & AIDS in the state was alarming and of great concern for the people of the state.
Stating that the issue was ticking like a time bomb that could devastate the society one day, Jacob called upon the mothers and leaders of two areas to come to realisation to face the fact and act together to fight the spread of the disease.
Programme administrator, Legislators Forum of AIDS Hukatoli Chophy said HIV & AIDS was preventable but it has to start from within every individual.
She viewed that women become vulnerable to the disease because of lack of education and awareness, low status and violence against women.
She said the means to prevent the disease from spreading is education and awareness.
President of WSTH Ahimsa K Zhimo said ‘stigma and discrimination’ stressed on how it is affecting the families.
She said stigma and discrimination must be put to stop in order to contain the disease and urged those attending the seminar to care and support those infected with HIV/AIDS.
The programme was organised by Western Sumi Totimi Hoho and sponsored by Legislators Forum of AIDS.
The programme was chaired by Illitoli Zhimo, information and publicity secretary WSTH and Nisheli, organizing secretary, WSTH was the recorder, Hotoli V. Chishi, treasurer WSTH delivered the welcome address. (UNI)