Nagaland observed World AIDS Day 2025 on December 1 with district level programmes held in Mokokchung, Peren and Kiphire under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
The events, organised by district health units, DISHA, the District Legal Services Authorities and NGO partners, brought together officials, healthcare workers, civil society groups and people living with HIV to reaffirm commitments to prevention, awareness and support services.
In Mokokchung, the observance was held at the Chief Medical Officer’s Conference Hall. Dr. R. Toshimenla Jamir, DACO and DTO, underlined the significance of the day and highlighted “the need for collective efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.” Ajay Moktan, IAS, Assistant Commissioner, said “this acquired disease can be prevented,” and urged the community to engage in peer learning, promote awareness and “stop the stigma related to HIV.” Molo Jamir of MDLSA stressed legal rights, noting that SDG Target 3.3 aims at ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Personal testimonies and interactive sessions marked the programme.
Peren district observed the day at GB Hall, where DISHA DPO Rovikhoto Mor emphasised community participation and noted challenges that emerged during the pandemic. Special guest A. Ernest Sephe, President of Zeme Council Nagaland, called for collective action and said positive individuals “should not be discriminated but they should be treated with love, compassion and equally.” The programme featured positive sharing, special presentations and a candlelight vigil at local care centres.
In Kiphire, the district programme was held at DPDB Hall with Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer as special guest. Theme speaker Dr. Holiba A. Anar provided a global and national overview of HIV trends, explaining the UNAIDS 95:95:95 strategy and noting that the state “has more than 15 thousand people on ART treatment.” He urged compassion and sustained efforts despite likely funding challenges. Longkumer stressed the need to address stigma and said hidden cases remain an obstacle to prevention, urging the community to “accept anybody who they are and guide them in a positive way.”
Across the three districts, officials reiterated the importance of awareness, testing, treatment access and community support, underscoring that collective action remains central to transforming the AIDS response in Nagaland.
