The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service was held at Fazl Ali College (FAC) on the theme “We Remember, We Take Action, We Live Beyond HIV.” The event was organized by Red Ribbon Club, FAC in collaboration with the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), DAPCU, TI-NGOs, and NMP+ on Sunday evening.
In his brief statement, Dr. Supongmeren, Senior Specialist IMDH, discussed the significance of the day, recounting the history of the memorial service and expanding on the day’s subject.
T. Temsu Jamir, a member of the NMP+ community, testified that in Mokokchung alone, there are over 900 persons living with AIDS, including 680 current cases. He also stated that 248 individuals have died as a result of AIDS, primarily owing to a lack of awareness of the disease due to self-stigma and prejudice.
He also stated that lack of prompt and sufficient care by parents and relatives is a factor in AIDS-related deaths.
He urged the audience to avoid discriminating against persons living with AIDS and to encourage those living with the disease to open up about their sickness in order to avoid additional contamination.
Arenla Ao, YWCA, delivered a special prayer after the candle lighting commenced.