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Nagaland awaits the arrival of the third phase of Red Ribbon Express train; the largest social mobilization campaign on HIV/AIDS and general health issues.

The Red Ribbon Express train will halt for two days in Dimapur Railway Station. The train will arrive at 4:30 AM on the 17th of August and depart on the 18th of August at 9:00 PM. We bring to you an exclusive interview with Dr. Nyan Kikon. He is currently the Deputy Chief Medical Officer in Nagaland Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK). He was Consultant UNICEF, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) when the second phase of Red Ribbon Express arrived at Dimapur in 2010.

Question: Can you share some of your experiences being part of the Red Ribbon Express (RRE) phase II that arrived at Dimapur in 2010. Dr. Nyan: “To be part of one of the largest social mobilization on HIV prevention in the World was indeed exciting. Since, UNICEF is also one of the partners with NACO on RRE, I was briefed much before hand by the UNICEF Office about the RRE. When we actually got working on the implementation of the Plan, I realized the enormity of work to be done. It not only involved the State AIDS Control Society but various Departments and Organisations like NYKS. There was first the formation of the State Level Organising Committee headed by the Chief Secretary and then the District Level Organising Committee, headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur. This was to ensure the participation of various departments like the School Education, Rural Development, Police, Health & Family Welfare (H&FW), Information and Public Relation (IPR), Railways, etc. Initially, the person in-charge of RRE at NACO had come to Dimapur and meeting was held with the District Level Organising Committee. I was made in-charge of the Steering committee at the District level and had to coordinate with the various stakeholders. I vividly remember the energy of the volunteers and the enthusiasm of the participants even in the summer heat of Dimapur. We had coordinated with the Rural Department to ferry village leaders for sensitization on HIV and remember that at times the Coach for sensitization could not accommodate all who had come and had to wait for their turn. There were also many young people queuing up for their turn to get into the RRE. This was particularly encouraging as the young people need to access the right information that they need to make informed choices. Even after the RRE left Dimapur, outreach activities were carried out for four more days in the villages of Dimapur. This was quite challenging as the logistics for the 2 (Two) teams consisting of Mobile ICTC (Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre) and Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) had to be chalked out and implemented with participation of the Community. I remember the tired look on the faces of the outreach teams but they had a certain look of satisfaction. When I look back, it was an enriching experience and made me more aware that each and every individual, in whichever capacity, have a role to play in the fight against HIV/AIDS”.

Question: You received a Commendation Certificate award from the Honorable Minister Health and Family Welfare, Government of India for your contribution and leadership for the conduct of this event.  Can you share something on that? Dr. Nyan: “Due to the immense response and success of the Red Ribbon Express Phase II, NACO along with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, decided to award recognition to individuals, which included Project Directors, District Collectors and other individuals.  Altogether, 15 (Fifteen) individuals were selected for their contribution to the success of the RRE. I was very humbled when they informed me that I had also been selected for the award. This Award was given to us significantly on World AIDS Day Dec 1st, in Delhi by the Hon’ble Union Minister, Ministry of H&FW, GOI, Shri.Gulam Nabi Azad”.

Question: What was the best part of Red Ribbon Express phase II? Dr, Nyan: “As such it is very difficult to pinpoint one particular activity. On the whole, the enthusiasm of the volunteers, the participation of the public and the Community response to the various activities was very encouraging and infectious”.

Question: Red Ribbon Express phase III is soon arriving at Dimapur, why should people visit it? Dr. Nyan: “The RRE provides a platform to comprehensively put across in a nutshell all that is needed to know on HIV/AIDS in a very simple, understandable way for lay people. It will also encourage public dialogue about HIV to reduce stigmas and discrimination. People should visit the RRE and take this opportunity to learn more on the multifaceted dynamics of HIV/AIDS. I believe that, those who visit the RRE will be immensely impacted in their understanding of HIV/AIDS”.

Question: What is your message to the general public? Dr. Nyan: “As we are aware, there are still many of us who do not completely comprehend the issues of HIV/AIDS and those who do may not be aware how to apply it in their daily lives. This is an opportune time to get a comprehensive understanding on HIV/AIDS in an interesting and memorable way which the mass media alone cannot achieve. It also provides for Health professionals to upgrade their skills in managing HIV/AIDS, with a human touch. It is very necessary that we as the public are sensitized to create an enabling environment that accepts those who are infected and affected with HIV without Stigma and Discrimination”.

The Red Ribbon Express train will be inaugurated by His Excellency Shri Nikhil Kumar, the Governor of Nagaland on the 17th of August, at 8:30 A.M; Dimapur Railway Station. The public is invited to come and witness this specially designed train and avail the free services and facilities.