NSACS project director Dr Ahu Sekhose and others during press conference in Kohima on August 9. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 9
In order to enhance the knowledge levels of general population and equip masses with information about HIV & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), a two month “Intensified IEC Campaign” spearheaded by National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) will be launched on August 12 across all States and UTs on the occasion of International Youth Day.
Announcing this during a press conference here today, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) project director Dr Ahu Sekhose stated the state will also be launching the campaign under the aegis of NACO at NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima on August 12.
The campaign will be for two months period and will cover all districts of Nagaland. India faces a significant health challenge with HIV/AIDS, being the country with the second highest number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the world. “Even though the national HIV prevalence is low, as of 2023, there are approximately 25.44 lakh PLHIV in India, with 68,450 new HIV infections reported in the past year,” Dr Sekhose pointed out.
Certain states have shown a rising trend in HIV prevalence which is attributed to multiple routes of transmission. The categorization of districts based on HIV prevalence indicates that the number of high-priority districts has increased from 156 in 2007 to 178 in 2022, highlighting the expanding epidemic and the necessity for targeted interventions.
Campaign objectives, activities
The objectives of the campaign is to enhance knowledge and understanding; equip the general population with accurate information about HIV and STIs, promote safe practices and reduce stigma: Foster an environment that encourages preventive measures and reduces discrimination against those affected.
At the rural village level, it plans to reach 780 villages in Nagaland through its field functionaries in coordination with the District Administration and Village Council.
At the village level, meeting on HIV & STI awareness will take place including folk performances, school outreach programme, disseminating Information on HIV & STIs at AB-HWCs through IEC materials and Interpersonal communication (IPC) sessions during Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Day (VHSND).
At the Urban level, rally will take place including flash mobs, awareness sessions in colleges through RRC. “For this purpose, we are having a Youth convention starting with Kohima Zone on August 12 & 13 where the RRC members and nodal officers from 7 districts will be trained as HIV ambassadors,” said Thejangunuo Theunuo, Deputy Director (IEC), NSACS.
There will be special camps at Government Hospitals (State & District level) and sensitization for Ombudsman & Complaints Officers on HIV and AIDS Act 2024. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram will be leveraged to create HIV awareness during this campaign.
The theme for each week (8 weeks) include- routes of transmission & prevention strategies, myths and misconceptions, risk perception and promotion of services, promotion of National Toll Free AIDS Helpline – 1097, condom promotion & safe sexual behaviors, STI prevention & treatment, substance use and drug abuse and stigma and discrimination. “We will also partner with our NSACS “Red Warriors” social media influencers and vloggers (who have been dedicated as HIV Ambassadors) to spread engaging content,” said Theunuo.
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