The Nagaland Chief Secretary on 30 March inaugurated a HIV/AIDS training module programme for the Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) and the Faith Based Organization (FBO) to create awareness on the new challenges presented by the syndrome.

Nagaland Chief Secretary Temjen Toy has maintained that issue of HIV & AIDS was more about creating awareness, sensitizing and stigmatization. Launching programme of HIV/AIDS Training Modules for Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) and the Faith Based Organization (FBO) was held at Kohima on 30 March, Toy said that the issues on HIV & AIDS remain the same and only the focus changes with the coming of new challenges. Stating that earlier the concentration was more on high risk group or targeted intervention groups like truck drivers, FSWs and police, Toy said, urging the organizations like Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), KRIPA and others actively involved in the issue to focus more on vulnerable groups besides the high risk groups.

He lamented the lack of behavioral and habitual changes despite modernization and liberalization which has made everyone aware of HIV & AIDS. He stressed on addressing the issue on college and school going groups, and sensitized them to bring about behavioral changes in them. Acknowledging that HIV & AIDS is still a major challenge, Toy expressed happiness over the continuing efforts to combat the same. He urged the people involved in the issue to choose their focus well and take informed decision. He also expressed happiness of the steps taken by the Police department on the issue. With the support of the church and law enforcement agencies the issue can be taken forward in a more effective way, he added.

Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma exhorting the participants said police family constitute a huge component of the State and maintained keeping the police force and law enforcing agencies safe from the maniac as important. In tackling AIDS the police has two roles to play he said, one is to play the role of a consumer of the training module, and the other is the role of a facilitator. Lamenting that people suffering from AIDS are still discriminated, he called on the law enforcing agency to protect and keep them safe.

The Director of Kripa Foundation Abou Mere in his opening remark apprised that Kripa Foundation has contracted consultant working on training module on HIV & AIDS for Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) and training module on HIV & AIDS for the Faith Based Organization (FBO) aimed at empowering police and church workers in the collective response to HIV/AIDS, and ensure the universal access and protection of human rights besides eliminating stigma and discrimination. He expressed confidence that the training module will help in understanding the AIDS epidemic and develop an appropriate response to tackle the challenges. The Project Director of NSACS Dr. Nangshimeren highlighted the objective of the training module.