International Youth Day 2025 was commemorated at North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), 7th Mile Chümoukedima on 14th August 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The event was organized by the District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DISHA), Dimapur, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) in collaboration with the United Riders Motorcycle Club and the Red Ribbon Club (RRC), NEISSR in view of 6th National Social Work Week under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs: Preventing HIV and Promoting Health.”
Delivering the address, Dr. Susanna Kikon, Medical Officer, ART Centre, Chümoukedima, highlighted the alarming prevalence of HIV in Nagaland, noting that the State records the second-highest HIV prevalence among adults in the country. She highlighted the vulnerability of the 15-49 age group, with many remaining unaware of their HIV status, and emphasised the moral responsibility of society to address stigma and discrimination. Dr. Kikon reiterated that while there is no cure for HIV, it is manageable through Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), which is provided free of cost, and that early testing is critical. She stressed the importance of the ABC approach – Abstain before marriage, Be faithful to one’s partner, and Correct and consistent condom use and urged the public to stop stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, highlighting the role of compassion and community support in overcoming it.
On the occasion, the speaker, Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto, Principal, NEISSR and Director, Peace Channel exhorted participants to recognize their collective responsibility in combating HIV and promoting public health. We face a battle that is stealing futures quietly but relentlessly. We cannot fight this epidemic by whispering about it in private. We must turn schools and colleges into hubs of awareness. We must replace stigma with solidarity, and shame with support, he asserted. He called upon churches, academic institutions, NGOs, and government agencies to collaborate in fostering awareness and preventive measures. Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, he reminded participants that the time to act is not someday, but today and urged youth to pledge their commitment to creating a sustainable and healthy society.
Mr. Moatemsu, President of United Riders Motorcycle Club delivered a strong message and call on the youth to create awareness for a better tomorrow, reinforced through the rendition of Amazing Grace song performed by Linkhai member of the club.
A special number was presented by Mr. Zipise Sangtam, BSW I Semester. Rev. Fr. G.L. Khing, Vice Principal and Administrator, NEISSR, delivered the welcome address, while the invocation was pronounced by Dr. Toli H. Kiba, Nodal Officer, RRC NEISSR and Assistant Professor. The proceedings were chaired by Ms. Elizabeth Pojar, Assistant Professor, NEISSR. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Mrs. Mecievinuo Zhotso, District Programme Officer, DISHA.
This observance of International Youth Day 2025 at NEISSR served as a clarion call to mobilise local youth actions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through the prevention of HIV and the promotion of holistic health, with an emphasis on the elimination of stigma and discrimination.
NEISSR Desk
