A two day review meeting on the Integrated HIV/AIDS Action Plan was kick started in Aizawl on 5th December, 2019. The meeting to form a strategy on fight against HIV/AIDS was organized by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) and the developing partners.
The meeting was graced by the Health Minister Dr. R.Lalthangliana at the Taxation Department Auditorium. Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister stressed on the ever increasing rate of HIV/AIDS patients in Mizoram and requested the gatherings to form a strategy based in the culture, traditions and living conditions of the Mizo people. “For implementation of the National AIDS Control Programme in the state, the distinct characters of Mizoram has to be kept in mind” said the Minister. Since, the fight against HIV/AIDS cannot be done from one corner; Dr.R Lalthangliana added that he will continue to seek support from NGO’s, voluntary organizations and churches in Mizoram.
Knowing the importance of this fight, the Health Minister Dr.R.Lalthangliana also pointed out that the State government is making a separate budget for this cause and hope that the review meeting will form a strategy to wipe out HIV/AIDS in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Pu Sanjeeva Kumar, Special Secretary and DG (NACO & RANTCP), National AIDS Control Organisation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI said that Mizoram Government initiative to form a separate budget and its work to fight against HIV/AIDS shows the commitment that the Government is taking this fight to a whole new level. However, even though Mizoram has a high literacy rate and several measures for prevention of HIV/AIDS has been implemented, the number of HIV/AIDS patients is increasing day by day, hence a new approach needs to be adopted, said the Special Secretary. Keeping this fact in mind, he urged the gatherings to form a meaningful strategy.
The review meeting, scheduled to be concluded on December 6th 2019 is attended by UNAIDS, North Eastern Council, NACO, Mizoram National Health Mission, Mizoram State AIDS Control Society and Health Department of Mizoram.
NACO Assistant Director General Dr. Shobini Rajan, NACO Deputy Director General NACO Dr. Naresh Goel, NEC Adviser Gopal Chhetri, CDC DGHT India Director Dr. Melissa Nyendak, NHM Mission Director Dr Eric Zomawia, UNAIDS Country Director Dr. Bilali Camara, NACO Jnt Secretary Alok Saxena , CYMA Asst Secy Dr.Malsawmliana and Rev. Lalrinmawia (church representative) are some of the key speakers at the inaugural session.