Health on Bike Initiative Strengthens HIV and STI Outreach in Nagaland

Nagaland Launches Two-Month Intensified HIV and STI Awareness Campaign The Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), under the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), will launch the third round of its Intensified Information, Education and Communication campaign on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) on August 12, International Youth Day, at Agri Expo, Chümoukedima. Health and Family Welfare Minister P. Paiwang Konyak will formally launch the two-month statewide campaign, which aims to strengthen awareness, promote prevention and early testing, reduce stigma and improve access to HIV and STI services. The campaign will adopt a district-led and data-driven approach across all 17 districts, with activities including 550 village meetings, 5,500 household outreach visits, school and college awareness sessions, folk performances, urban flash mobs and special health camps. To expand digital outreach among young people, 40 social media influencers will participate alongside a dedicated online campaign promoting HIV self-risk assessment and access to services. Five new Health on Bike motorbikes will also be launched to extend prevention and testing services to communities facing difficult terrain and limited healthcare access. A 25-biker awareness rally will mark the launch, with similar rallies planned in nine other districts. The campaign seeks to move from awareness to action while promoting testing, treatment, care, support and solidarity.