A stakeholder workshop on cross border intervention in HIV/AIDS was organised by PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology in Health) in collaboration with District Administration Noklak and Khiamniungan Baptist Churches Association’s (KBCA) targeted intervention program.
The meeting was held on 28 November at KBCA Komking, Noklak.
Dr Sampath, Prevention Consultant, highlighted the background and objective of the exercise. He said it is vital to understand the spaces of vulnerability and transmission of HIV/AIDS in the border district. Speaking on the concept, it is important to know that migration creates conditions of high risk, he added.
Sampath asserted that situational analysis for solution should be taken up by conducting stakeholder workshops and meetings with the purpose of collecting information on cross border and inter-state migration, location of drug availability and government and non-governmental services, and further tackle the necessary needs.
Dr Sampath, Prevention Consultant, and Kathyinla, EAC Noklak.
Kathyinla, EAC Noklak, remarked that for effective cross border intervention, it is important to understand the cross-border dynamic in the district. She stated that in Noklak, people are scattered across international border while Langnok and Wui villages are the active cross border point. However, the emotional and psychological connections remain strong.
“Integrating the community with the society is what is driving the district administration,” she said.
The EAC also mentioned the mentorship program given to the youths and students by the district administration on how the governmental set up works.
Dr Victor N C, Chief Medical Officer cum Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Noklak pointed out the challenges faced in terms of man power in Noklak health sector. While mentioning the villages under Noklak which highly requires primary health centres, he said Pangsha Primary Health Centre needs an ART counsellor and a lab technician.
Dr Victor, CMO cum Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Noklak.
The doctor stressed the need of a District AIDS Prevention Unit (DAPU) in Noklak. He also pointed out the statistics of HIV/AIDS prevailing in the district and further urged the people to be mindful and watch out for their lives.
Dr Sudhir Chawla, Public Health Specialist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, spoke on the need to have intervention and understand vulnerability and challenges associated with migration and also touched upon the topic of how and under what circumstances people migrate.
Dr Sudhir Chawla, Public Health Specialist, CDC, US Dept of Health and Human Services.
There is a care for health so it is important to know the insight which can be helpful to look for solution, he added.
Dr Asha Hedge, Deputy Director South Asia, HIV/ Hepatitis, India Country Program, PATH expressed the intention of the service. Speaking on the prevalence of ill health and situational analysis, she stated that the energy of youths can also be directed to sports and vocational activities.
Dr Asha Hedge, Dy Dir South Asia, HIV/ Hepatitis, India Country Program, PATH
As part of the workshop, group discussion and mapping exercises were conducted among all the attendees. The PATH team also organised more awareness exercises at Wui village.
Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) is an international non-profit organisation that works to accelerate health equity. The organisation partners with public institutions, businesses, grassroots groups and investors around the world to tackle the most pressing health challenges.
