In a startling revelation, Hokishe Chophy, District Program Officer for the District Integrated Strategy for HIV & AIDS and STD, has provided concerning statistics regarding HIV & AIDS in Zunheboto. In a recent testing and screening report, the DPO indicated that a total of 3,103 individuals have been screened for HIV & AIDS, including 566 pregnant women. Alarmingly, 12 individuals were found to be positive in the 2024 financial year. Since the inception of the ART Center in Zunheboto District in 2011, a total of 442 cases have tested positive, it was reported.
The report highlighted that among regular clients, 223 are alive and actively receiving treatment. However, 18 clients have lost track of their treatment, and 76 positive individuals have succumbed to the disease.
Chophy emphasized the challenges faced by the department regarding medical personnel in the region, noting that Zunheboto currently has no Medical Officer (MO) available to assist in the OST and ART Center. The remoteness of the area has deterred interested doctors from filling these vacancies, exacerbating the challenges faced by local healthcare services. According to the report, seven ICTC Centers are available in Zunheboto, which include the District Hospital, Pughoboto, Aghunato, Suruhuto, Satakha, Akuluto, and one Mobile ICTC that covers all locations.
“Despite these difficulties, the team is committed to providing free and cashless counseling, treatment, and medication for those living with HIV/AIDS and those battling drug addiction,” stated an update from Tokavi K Zhimo, District Media Officer, Zunheboto.
Chophy called upon NGOs, churches, and the general public to extend their support to those affected by these issues. He urged all departments to collaborate in assisting clients, stressing the importance of community involvement in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis.
