25 Oct : A one-day advocacy workshop on ‘Role of Panchayats and Community Response’ towards HIV/AIDS was held today at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kiyanilie Peseyie said that it is the duty of every responsible citizen to be aware of the problem of HIV/AIDS and to find ways to prevent and tackle the menace. He also shared his experience of his visit to foreign countries as a legislator to attend seminars and meeting on HIV/AIDS. Stating that as the state capital every panchayat/colony/ward should make it their bounden duty to educate the people on the disease at the grassroot level. He said that legislators are also engaged in the awareness programmes and urged the panchayats/councils to do their part.
Chairman KVIC, MLA Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire in his speech said that panchayats/councils should not be judgmental but rather work towards prevention of the disease. He said that the problem should be recognized in every colony and tackled accordingly. Dr. Nicky suggested that seminars/workshops on HIV/AIDS should be held in respective colonies with participation of youth groups, women and the elders. He said that panchayats/councils should seek counsel from women groups as well as look into the welfare of the youths.
Joint Project Director, NSACS, Dr. Limaakum Jamir gave a presentation on ‘HIV/AIDS scenario of Kohima and its vulnerability’ – ‘Facilities and Services available’. According to the reports 2537 AIDS cases have been reported so far till September 2008 in Kohima out of which 1424 are males and 113 females. 391 adults and 46 children have died of AIDS in Kohima (till September 2008).
State Co-ordinator, LFA/UNAIDS, Dr. Vinito L. Chishi in his keynote address said that panchayats have a great role to play in making the community aware of HIV/AIDS. He gave a briefing on the Nagaland Legislators’ Forum for AIDS/UNAIDS and also on the basis of HIV/AIDS symptoms, causes etc. The programme was an initiative of Legislators’ Forum for AIDS/UNAIDS and Kuknalim Foundation.