The Nagaland State Aids Control Society (NSACS) will officially launch its Intensified IEC (Information, Education & Communication) campaign on 12th August 2024 at NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima. This was informed by NSACS Project Director, Dr. Ahu Sekhose, at a press conference on Friday at the NSACS Conference Hall.
Highlighting on that background of this campaign, Sekhose stated that India faces a significant health challenge with HIV/AIDS, being the country with the second highest number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the world. And even though the national HIV prevalence is low, as of 2023, there are approximately 25.44 lakh PLHIV in India, with 68,450 new HIV infections reported in the past year.
Sekhose informed that certain states have shown a rising trend in HIV prevalence which is attributed to multiple routes of transmission. The categorization of districts based on HIV prevalence indicates that the number of high-priority districts has increased from 156 in 2007 to 178 in 2022, highlighting the expanding epidemic and the necessity for targeted interventions.
The NSACS Project Director also said that in order to enhance the knowledge levels of general population and equip masses with information about HIV & Sexually Transmitted Infections (STls) across the country, a two month – “Intensified IEC Campaign” spearheaded by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) will be launched on 12 August 2024 on the occasion of International Youth Day across all States and Union Territories.
He said the objectives of the two month long campaign is to Enhance Knowledge and Understanding: Equip the general population with accurate information about HIV and STls, and Promote Safe Practices and Reduce Stigma: Foster an environment that encourages preventive measures and reduces discrimination against those affected.
The campaign activities will include:
Rural level: At the rural village level, it is planned to reach 780 villages in Nagaland through our field functionaries in coordination with the District Administration and Village Council.
Village level: Village level meeting on HIV & STI Awareness, Folk Performances, School Outreach Programme in villages, Disseminating Information on HIV & STIs at AB-HWCs in Villages through IEC Materials, Interpersonal communication (IPC) sessions during Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Day (VHSND).
Urban level: Rally, Flash Mobs, Awareness Sessions in Colleges through RRC “RRC Agents”. Further, Sekhose informed that for this purpose, a Youth Convention is being organised starting with Kohima Zone on 12 and 13 August where the RRC members and nodal officers from seven districts will be trained as HIV ambassadors. The other districts will be covered in other two zones in Dimapur and Mokokchung which will be conducted shortly. Special Camps at Government Hospitals (State & District level), Sensitization for Ombudsman & Complaints Officers on HIV and AIDS Act 2024 will be held.
The NSACS Project Director also informed that for Social Media activities: social media platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram will be leverage upon to create HIV awareness during this campaign:
Theme for each week (8 weeks): Routes of Transmission & Prevention Strategies, Myths and Misconceptions, Risk Perception and Promotion of Services, Promotion of National Toll Free AIDS Helpline – 1097, Condom Promotion & Safe Sexual Behaviours, STI, Prevention & Treatment Substance Use and Drug Abuse and Stigma and Discrimination.
Furthermore, Sekhose mentioned that Nagaland remains second in the country with the number of people living with HIV and emphasized that the key to success in controlling this issue lies in raising awareness and encouraged people to participate in these awareness programs.
Deputy Director (IEC), Thejangunuo Theünuo informed that they are expecting around 2500 student and delegates. They will also Partner with NSACS “Red Warriors” social media influencers and vloggers (who have been dedicated as HIV Ambassadors) to spread engaging content.
