22 Oct : The State Level Committee of concern on HIV/AIDS held a meeting under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, Lalhuma in the Chief Secretary’s conference hall Kohima on 21st October 2008 to discuss, identify and recommend steps for strengthening multi sectoral response to HIV/AIDS.
The committee noted and appreciated the various actions that various departments are taking up to fight the menace of HIV/AIDS in the state and suggested several steps that various government departments can take up as part of their ongoing activities. The members were also of the view that it would be a great step forward if some percentage of the budget of various departments can be earmarked for HIV/AIDS related activities as a policy.
As the chairman of the committee, the Chief Secretary also put several suggestions to be implemented by the NSACS and other government departments. He suggested that the District Administration and Police should be made more involved with the fight on HIV/AIDS. ‘Involve as many people and agencies as you can’ Lalhuma suggested to the officials of NSACS.
Reserving certain percentage of sponsorship, subsidies and loans for entrepreneurship, self employment and training under various government schemes for PLHAs would go a long way in capacitating HIV affected people, the Chief Secretary pointed out, adding that all government departments should formulate some action plan to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Earlier, Project Director NSACS gave a power point presentation on the HIV/AIDS scenario in the state and the programmes under NACP III. He disclosed that the Prevalence Rate of HIV /AIDS in the State has come down recently to less than 1 % which is a great relief.
The meeting concluded with a note to meet more often and to strengthen the multi sectoral response to HIV/AIDS in a more concrete and systematic manner.