The Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) launched CiTY BARN Wokha, ‘The Health Centre’ in Wokha Town on August 17, where Vineet Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Wokha graced the event as the chief guest.
The event was attended by’Department from Social Welfare, ART, Bharat Scout and Guides, Mental Health District Hospital, Eloe Hoho, NUN-LWS Wokha, NUN-TI Wokha, DAPCU Wokha and church members. In his speech, Vineet Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Wokha informed that the centre has come at the right time, as Wokha district registered high number of drug users and related substance abuse.
He anticipated that through the launching of the centre it will help the youths engaged in drug use be transformed and get back on track. He urged the members to popularize the centre and used the centre for learning and experience in understanding the people using drugs and related substances. He requested the officials of the project to collect a success story which may influence other drug users in giving up drugs for good. Meanwhile Kumar said that drugs, AIDS and crime are interrelated and it needs a collective effort in eradicating the social evil, where he urged all sections of society to join hands in fighting the social menace. Later, he wished the centre in realizing the project a success by saving lives of the youth utilizing paramount effort.
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During the event, a welcome note was delivered by Lichumo Odyuo, DPO, DAPCU Wokha, where he said that Wokha district has 325 registered individuals taking HIV Antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment.
Kevizale-e Kera, centre coordinator NUN CiTY BARN Wokha while briefing the project said that it will provide various services like counseling, screening of HIV, TB to youths below 24 years. She highlighted the concept of the project as a youth friendly drop-in centre and will work to identify youths engaged in unsafe behavior.
Kevinguto Khamo, project director NUN, while delivering vote of thanks highlighted that Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) is the first state level Drug Users’ Network in the country, which was formed on 26th May 1999, to serve as a platform towards voicing out against the atrocities meted out to the drug users and to advocate against punitive measures resulting out of criminalising drug use in the state.
NUN aims to provide and improve the quality of life of drug users and people living with HIV in the state by its involvement in planning, implementation, monitoring & evaluation, development and implementation of effective policies.
