Mon Dec 02 02:12:52 UTC 2024: ## Wokha Holds Candlelight Vigil to Remember AIDS Victims, Emphasize Support for PLWHA

**Wokha, Nagaland, December 2, 2024** – A candlelight vigil was held in Wokha on World AIDS Day to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS and to emphasize the need for support and compassion for people living with the disease. The event, themed “Take the Rights Path,” was organized by several organizations including the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) and Wokha Network of Positive People (WNP+), and supported by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).

Addressing the gathering at Mhomo Hall, Witter Theological College, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Renbomo Ezung urged attendees to move beyond awareness campaigns and actively support individuals living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). He highlighted the devastating impact of societal stigma and called for a more compassionate and inclusive community.

District Programme Officer (DPO), NCD, Dr. Aseno Rhetso, stressed the urgent need to eliminate stigma and discrimination to meet the 2030 goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS. She underscored the advancements in Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), noting that 342 HIV-positive individuals in Wokha are currently receiving treatment. Dr. Rhetso also highlighted the concerningly high HIV prevalence in the region, with Mizoram having the highest rate in India, followed by Nagaland and Manipur.

The event featured presentations on HIV/AIDS legislation, special performances, and an exhortation emphasizing community support. The vigil served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against HIV/AIDS and the crucial role of community action in combating the epidemic.

Read More