Nagaland Church plans all–faith talks to tackle AIDS

Determined to eradicate AIDS from Nagaland, Naga Church leaders and NGOs are holding talks on a roadmap for an integrated approach to proper care of HIV/AIDS–affected people.

Churches will also hold inter–faith dialogue to carry out a follow–up programme. The prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland is 1.63 per cent.

The Development Association of Nagaland of the Catholic Church and the Nagaland Development Organisation of the Baptist Church have decided to initiate dialogue with members of other faiths.

According to them, AIDS claims more lives than any other disease in the world and a concerted effort is needed to save the people of Nagaland from the incurable disease.

The Church, being the dominant organisation in Nagaland, could play a major role in helping HIV–affected people live with dignity.

The chairman of the Joint Christian Forum, Rev. L. Bizo, said the Church had remained silent for long on issues like militancy and spread of HIV/AIDS that block the state’s development.

He called for more inter–church involvement to spread awareness.

Quoting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Fr James Poonthurithil said: “The best vaccine against HIV/AIDS is knowledge and awareness. Nearly 6,000 AIDS patients die everyday, of which 30 per cent are in the age group of 15 to 30.”

Rev. Saji K. advocated the need for cooperation between the government, churches, NGOs, civil society, all Christian denominations and other faiths.

Deputy state representative of Catholic Relief Services Guwahati, Rollan Lotha, said religious leaders should be provided training on anti–AIDS programmes.

It should highlight issues like poverty and gender bias and include people living with HIV/AIDS, he said.

Vincent Belho, a senior official of the Nagaland branch of Family Association of India, said many NGOs operate to get funds while most of the HIV/AIDS counselling and information centres remain defunct in districts other than Kohima.

He alleged lack of transparency and accountability in utilisation of funds sanctioned for anti–AIDS programmes and did not rule out embezzlement of funds.

The state government has set up a joint inquiry committee, headed by Congress MLA Takamasa Ao, to probe into alleged misuse of funds. The report will be tabled in the Assembly.