An innovative youth health initiative of the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), CiTY BARN – The Health Centre, was formally launched in Mokokchung on June 29.
The centre was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS.
CiTY BARN Mokokchung is the fifth such centre in the state, following the establishment of centres at Kohima, Dimapur, Wokha and Tuensang, while plans are underway to establish another centre in Peren district.
Located at IM Road, Arkong Ward, near SBI Bazaar Branch, Mokokchung, above NETTEC Computers, the centre aims to reach young people below the age of 24 by providing health related information, counselling and support services in a safe and confidential environment.
The initiative is supported by Care & Support Society (C&SS), which has undertaken the project under NSACS.
It may be noted that NSACS collaborates with Adolescent Friendly Health Centres (AFHCs) through its innovative CiTY BARN initiative to address the increasing trend of HIV-positive cases among young people in Nagaland.
Speaking at the launch programme, Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma said the CiTY BARN initiative, being an innovation of the Government of Nagaland, is a unique project and expressed that Mokokchung is fortunate to have such a centre.
He said that the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) taking interest in the model and exploring its replication in different parts of the country is an achievement for the state.
Appreciating Care & Support Society for taking up the initiative in collaboration with NACO and NSACS, Verma said the organization has been instrumental in the health sector for many years and possesses the necessary experience and expertise to manage such a project.
He stated that the centre would play an important role in preventive healthcare, adding that while the medical sector largely focuses on curative services, prevention is equally important to reduce health related complications and social impact.
He emphasised the importance of creating awareness among the youth regarding sanitation, personal hygiene and overall health practices. He said that a healthy population is essential for achieving broader developmental goals.
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the importance of local institutions in providing counselling and guidance, stating that while digital platforms provide access to information, centres like CiTY BARN can offer localised support and assistance to young people dealing with personal, behavioural and health related concerns.
He further appealed for public participation and support, stating that the success of such initiatives depends on how effectively the services reach the community. He stressed the role of the Education Department in connecting students with the centre and encouraged collaboration between departments.
Dr Tiasunep, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Mokokchung, congratulated Care & Support Society and acknowledged its long association with the district and cooperation with the medical department.
He said the recognition of C&SS by NACO for implementing the project reflected its dedication and experience. He urged those involved in the centre to work with sincerity, commitment and empathy, stating that the initiative would cater to both the general public and vulnerable groups, including those affected by HIV/AIDS.
He also assured support from the Medical Department towards the functioning of the centre.
Delivering the “About Us” presentation, Limatongzuk Jamir, Programme Officer, Care & Support Society, informed that C&SS is a non-profit organisation established in 1995 and registered in 2001 under the Societies Registration Act. The organisation is also registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 and Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Based in Mokokchung, C&SS works across Nagaland by providing humanitarian support to underserved and vulnerable communities.
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He stated that CiTY BARN was conceptualised by NSACS in response to the public health challenges faced by the state, particularly the rising number of HIV infections among young people.
He said the centre is designed as a youth-friendly space where young people can access accurate information, counselling and support without fear of stigma. The initiative focuses not only on HIV prevention but also on mental health, substance and tobacco use, sexual and reproductive health, life skills and overall well-being.
Jamir said the objective of CiTY BARN is to reach young people at an early stage, provide them with the right knowledge and empower them to make informed decisions.
The centre will function from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during winter.
The services available at the centre include counselling, linkages to healthcare facilities such as TI, OST, ICTC, ART, STI, TB, Hepatitis, mental health, adolescent clinics, rehabilitation services, sexual and reproductive health services and tobacco/substance abuse services.
Other facilities include an in-house helpdesk, anonymous question-and-answer facility, screening for HIV, Syphilis, TB, Hepatitis and STI, and linkages for GBV and mental health support.
The centre will also organise thematic health sessions with resource persons from relevant departments covering youth specific STI and reproductive health, mental health, addiction counselling, testing and treatment, life skills and career counselling.
It was also informed that Tovra Works, a career training and skill development initiative in Nagaland, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NSACS CiTY BARN on June 10 this year to create a referral link between youth health support and career development programmes. Training will be conducted for different programmes and guaranteed job placements.
The programme was chaired by Ajungla Longchar. Burlemla Longkumer presented a song titled “Hero”. The invocation was delivered by S Limawapang from PM Care & Counselling Centre TI, while the dedicatory prayer was offered by Shilula Imchen, Pastor (W), MTBA.
