The state's first HIV-1 Viral Load Laboratory was launched at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima by Y Kikheto Sema, IAS Commissioner & Secretary H&FW and Chairman NSACS on 26th June 2023.
Speaking at the launching programme, Y Kikheto Sema said that India is a signatory to UN SDG and is committed to ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
This launching of the first HIV-1 Viral Load Lab at NIMSR Teaching Hospital (NHAK) marks a significant milestone in the state of Nagaland in ensuring better treatment and care for the People Living with HIV (PLHIV) community.
Nagaland has approx 12,290 PLHIV who are on treatment and many more are unreached and untested, and Nagaland is the second highest HIV positive in the country and the highest Antenatal Care in India, we have huge challenges, he added.
He stated it is mandatory to undergo viral load testing at least once a year for those who are on treatment. If the viral load does not come down it indicates that the person is not responding to the drug and therefore will need another line of treatment to help the doctor give correct treatment to PLHIVs.
To address these challenges, it was the burning desire of the state to have its viral load testing machine as the people have been sending blood samples outside the State like Mumbai, RIMS Imphal.
He also mentioned that the state faced immense challenges in transporting blood samples outside the state during the pandemic. With the present law and order situation in Manipur Viral Load samples could not be sent to RIMS, Imphal for the last two months.
He added that the Lab would be opened in only working days and is confident that we would be able to handle all the Viral Load Testing for the entire State.
He further congratulated the Project Director Dr Akuo Sorhie and officials of NSACS for taking all necessary measures and thanked NACO for providing the viral load machine for the State.
Dr. Akuo Sorhie, Director (M&E), in her keynote address, acknowledged NACO and said it was another breakthrough under the leadership of the Kikheto.
Dr. Vibeituonuo M Sachu, Principal Director, H&FW said that the hassle faced by the patients would solve and address a lot of gaps and would provide quality and timely services. She requested the handlers of the laboratory to take proper care and make maximum use of the machine.
Lanu Aier, President of NNP+ said that it is a dream come through that the laboratory is now in the state and that the community has been demanding it for more than two decades.
Lokesh, Team Leader, LaQSH Plus Project, SHARE INDIA said that it is a landmark occasion and it would change the treatment of HIV. As technical partners, they are looking forward to ensuring quality standards in the maintenance of the laboratory.
Earlier the launching program was chaired by Dr Vethihulu Vero, DD, CST, NSACS, concluding remarks was given by Adeno Kenna-o, Deputy Director, Lab Services, NSACS.
Vikepu Tepa, Chaplain NHAK said the dedicatory prayer of the Viral Load Lab and the viral load lab tour was done by Kezholeno Zao, Technical Officer, SRL, Kohima.
(Avika Awomi, IA)
