The Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19 organized a sensitization programme on COVID testing and vaccination for the villages of Kohima Village, Chedema, Chedema Model, Tsabazou, Kijümetouma, Kijümetou Basa, Rüsoma and Dihoma. The programme was held at Kohima Village Council Hall on 19th July 2021.
Minister in-charge, Tongpang Ozukum Minister for PWD (Mechanical & Housing) in his speech thanked the North Angami Public Organisation (NAPO) for relaying their mature decision to co operate with the government and district administration towards the fight against the pandemic.
Highlighting the cases of COVID-19 in the state, Ozukum stated that Nagaland is the second lowest when it comes to testing and vaccination but the highest in death rates as compared to other states in northeast. He opined that late hospitalisation and self treatment at home was one factors for the rising mortality rate and appealed the villagers to come forward honestly for testing and treatment if symptoms appear so that transmission of the disease can be curbed at the initial stage. "If we are safe, we can save our family and the community. We must not fall victim to rumours and hearsay about the vaccines and maintain the SOP's religiously at all times as directed by the government", he said.
The minister hoped that with the continued support of the frontal apex organisations under Kohima district, the district administration will be more prepared for the incoming third wave because the government cannot fight this pandemic alone. "This is the time for Kohima to lead by example. And as the intellectual hub and the district belonging to the most progressive people amongst the Nagas, we must show the way forward to others, be it in vaccination and maintaining government rules regarding COVID-19", he also stated.
Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire in his speech asked the gathering to contemplate on how diligently one has been following the covid appropriate behaviors and stressed on the importance of proper wearing of masks, hand hygiene and social distancing. He requested the gathering to come out from the fear of stigmatization on hiding the self test report but to disclose it for early treatment and safety of the people. Dr. Nicky also called upon them to come forward as a responsible citizen and get tested and vaccinated to keep the community safe from this pandemic.
Advisor for Technical Education & Election, Medo Yhokha who also spoke requested the village leaders and apex organization and others to extend cooperation and support in implementing covid protocols in respective areas to protect the community in future.
Giving concluding remarks, DC & Chairman DTF Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie, NCS re-iterated on the role of every responsible individual to act on their part at this juncture for the safety of the community and the upcoming generation. He also emphasized on the provision of law laid down under the Epidemic Disease Act 1897 and relevant Section 188 of IPC where violation of the guidelines issued by the Government can be panelist.
CMO Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo stated that Kohima district vaccination status as on 18th July 2021 stands at 49.32% coverage out of 1,79,486 headcount where 1,05,706 received 1st & 2nd dose and 88532 with 1st dose.
Emphasizing on the three objectives to break the chain of transmission, CMO said firstly to follow the Covid appropriate behavior; secondly to get tested where active and passive surveillance in the community was required to trace, track and test for early treatment and to avoid social stigmatization and non disclosure of self test, which were the risk factor in the community. Thirdly, on timely vaccination for the safety of the community and also to decrease the morbidity and mortality rate.
"The vaccination is ongoing but we are fighting because of the time factor, where active participation is required from all corners in this exercise as it is the only protective gear to be safe from this virus” stated CMO. She therefore urged the gathering to spread the awareness and to encourage the unvaccinated group to avail the opportunity available at their doorsteps.
President Northern Angami Public Organisation, Zeneituo Yano thanked and appreciated the Kohima DTF for organizing such awareness programme for the area people. He hoped that through this programme the doubts and confusion in the mind of people would be dispelled and every responsible citizen would come forward and avail the facility provided by the Government and also assured on behalf of NAPO to stand behind the DTF in their future activities.
SDO (C) Sadar Kohima, R. Daniel Angami NCS chaired the programme who also proposed the vote of thanks. NAPO, NASU, NAYO, NAWO, AYO and three representatives from Village Council, Village Task Force, women representatives from Villages attended the programme.
(DPRO Kohima)
