Mokokchung: Training held on HIV/AIDS Act 2017

Mokokchung, December 6 (MTNews): A one-day training on HIV/AIDS Act 2017 with District administration, officials of all the offices and members from Community Based Organizations (CBOs) organized by District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU) Mokokchung was held today at Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Mokokchung. The Training was sponsored by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).

During the training program, WV Patton, Chief Judicial Magistrate Mokokchung and Secretary, Mokokchung District Legal Services Association (DLSA) delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the salient features of the HIV/AIDS Act 2017, roles and responsibilities of Ombudsman and Complaint Officers.

Keynote address on the training was delivered by Makshi Jamir, DPO, DAPCU Mokokchung.

The training was attended by ADC Mokokchung, administrative officers, officials from various departments and members from civil society organizations.

What to know about the HIV/AIDS Act 2017

· The Human Immuno deficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, came into force on September 10, 2018. It aims to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS in the country and provides penalties for discrimination against those affected by the virus.

· The Act prohibits discrimination or unfair treatment of HIV-infected people on any grounds. It prohibits denial or discontinuation of healthcare services, right of movement, right to reside, purchase, rent or occupy property and hold public or private office etc.

· It prohibits isolation or segregation of an HIV-positive person. Every HIV-positive person has the right to reside in a shared household and use facilities in a non-discriminatory manner.

· Under the law, no HIV-affected person can be subject to medical treatment, medical interventions or research without informed consent. Further, no HIV positive woman, who is pregnant, can be subjected to sterilization or abortion without her consent.

· No person is compelled to disclose his HIV status except by an order of the court. A breach of violation attracts a jail sentence of up to two years or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both.

· Every establishment is obligated to keep HIV-related information protected. Every HIV-positive person is compelled to take reasonable precautions to prevent the transmission of HIV to other persons.

· The state and Centre must make diagnostic facilities; antiretroviral therapy and opportunistic infection management available to all HIV-infected people, and ensure wide dissemination of the same.

· Every state has to appoint one or more Ombudsmen to inquire into violations of the provisions of the Act. Within 30 days of receiving a complaint, the Ombudsman is required to pass an order as he deems fit. Failing to comply with the orders of the Ombudsman attracts a penalty of up to Rs 10,000.