Dimapur highest HIV infected state of Nagaland:DPO

Kohima, Sep 8 : The District Programme Officer (DPO) District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU) Meyisangla Lonkumer during the one-day HIV/AIDS awareness programme at ‘Special handloom expo’ in Dimapur has revealed that Dimapur continues its march ahead in HIV/AIDS figures with some 50-60 cases detected every month, making it the district with the highest number HIV/AIDS in Nagaland.

The programme was for the participants of the expo, by Touch Life Centre (VTP) Chumukedima and supported by DAPCU Dimapur, where Mrs Longkumer said that 50-60 new cases of HIV/AIDS are detected every month at Dimapur making it the highest affected district in the state.

While educating the gathering on the awareness, prevention and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, she said that HIV/AIDS is not spread through touching, eating or sharing clothes but are spread through sexual activity and blood transfusion.

''More than 80 per cent of HIV/AIDS is spread through sex,'' the DPO said.

Encouraging the gathering to educate and spread awareness, she said that any individual who indulges in 'risky activity' should get themselves tested saying that free test and treatment are available at the district hospital or community health centers.

''HIV/AIDS test is voluntary, we cannot force anyone to get tested,'' the DPO said.