Morung Express News
Kohima | December 2
“It is not about how long I live, but how I live is what matters to me,” said Lanu Aier, a Person Living with HIV (PLHIV) who has been living a healthy life for the past 25 years. He was sharing his testimony at the World AIDS Day programme held under the theme ‘Equalize’ on December 1 at Hotel Japfü.
At a time when people are hesitant because of the prejudice, stigma and discrimination towards PLHIV, Aier has confidently shared his status. He is the epitome that there is life beyond HIV with treatment and medication.
“People think HIV & AIDS is a death sentence but there is life beyond,” said Aier who is a recovered substance abuse. Narrating his past, he said HIV status came as a blessing as according to him, “I gave up my addiction and changed my lifestyle to live a healthy life.”
He recalled the stigma and discrimination at that point of time when PLHIV were looked upon with contempt.
Appreciating this second chance of life given to him, Aier emphasised on the need to do away with stigma and discrimination. Lest, he pointed out it deters from people to avail the services.
“No one is safe,” maintained Aier and advocated to create more awareness to stop the spread of HIV infection.
End AIDS epidemic by 2030
Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) Project Director, Dr Akuo Sorhie emphasised on the collective efforts to address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS.
“Inequalities are inevitable but we can tackle them together,” said Dr Sorhie underscoring the need to reduce inequalities and increases availability, quality and suitability of services for HIV treatment, testing and prevention.
Highlighting the various programmes under NSACS, she said all the programmes are directed towards achieving a free HIV state and country, which would be only possible through collective efforts and partnership in the battle against HIV.
Dr Sorhie urged all its partner NGOs, development partners, civil society, concerned government departments and various stakeholders to come together to make a concrete progress to achieve ending of AIDS epidemic as a health threat by 2030.
A panel discussion was held with Dr Ruokuovilie Sachu, General Secretary, Kohima Baptist Pastors Fellowship (KBPF), Alice Yhoshü, President, Kohima Press Club (KPC), Kethosezo Tetso, Kohima Law College Red Ribbon Club and Nchumbemo Mozhui, Legal Consultant, H&FW. They spoke on the role of the church, media, NGO and youth in HIV response.
During the programme, Mission Director, NHM, Dr Thorusie Katiry launched U=U (Undetectable=Untraceable) posters.
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