Nagaland today joined the rest of the world in observing 33rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on the theme "Engage, Educate, Empower" by calling upon all stakeholders to join the fight against HIV/AIDS.
National AIDS Control Organisation has reported that the state is among the highest HIV Prevalence States in the country with a general population prevalence rate of 0.88%, President of Network of Nagaland Drugs and AIDS Organization, Abou Mere said at a programme held on the occasion.
He lamented that initially the prevalence was among drug users, substance abusers or alcoholics, but the present prevalent rate is high among the general public.
On the high prevalence despite several NGOs working in the field to create awareness and stop further spread of HIV, he said "NGOs are working but the state government has failed to implement Article 21 (Right to Health)".
He cited that the state government has failed to release funds related to HIV/AIDS programmes for the last six months, which is hampering the functioning of Drop-in Centre (DIC) in the state.
DIC is a community based resource for persons at risk or infected with HIV and for all those who are affected by the AIDS epidemic.
Mere said all the 53 DICs throughout the state would remain closed on May 17 and 18 as a mark of protest against non-release of funds by the state government.
Being a Christian majority state, he said, the church should not only involve in spreading awareness but also provide care and support to the infected and affected people.
State Tuberculosis Officer Dr K T Lotha said though HIV/AIDS does not have curable medicine, but it is preventable.
Lotha also called upon all stakeholders to recommit and make concerted efforts to curb further spread of HIV/AIDS.
