Dimapur,8 Sept,2011: Dimapur continues its march ahead in HIV & AIDS figures with some 50-60 cases detected every month, making it as the district with the highest number HIV & AIDS in Nagaland. This was revealed by District Programme Officer (DPO) District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU) Meyisangla Lonkumer during the one-day HIV & AIDS awareness programme held on Wednesday at ‘Special handloom expo’.The programme held at the Naga Shopping Arcade, was for the participants of the expo, by Touch Life Centre (VTP) Chumukedima and supported by DAPCU Dimapur.
Speaking on the program, DPO, DAPCU Meyisangla Longkumer said that 50-60 new cases of HIV & AIDS are detected every month at Dimapur making it the highest affected district in the state.
While educating the gathering on the awareness, prevention and discrimination associated with HIV & AIDS, she said that HIV & AIDS is not spread through touching, eating or sharing clothes but are spread through sexual activity and blood transfusion.
“More than 80% of HIV & AIDS is spread through sex” said DPO. Encouraging the gathering to educate and spread the awareness she said that any individual who indulges in “risky activity” should get themselves tested saying that free test and treatment are available at the district hospital or community health centers. “HIV & AIDS test is voluntary, we cannot force anyone to get tested” said DPO.
Further, she requested any HIV & AIDS patients to avail free medication from ART centre at Civil hospital.
~NPN
