Kohima: The Nagaland State AIDS Control Society launched its fifth CiTY BARN youth health center in Mokokchung on June 29. Located at I.M Road in Arkong Ward, the facility provides medical information, counseling, and support to people under 24. The Care and Support Society manages the project.
This is the fifth site in Nagaland. Others operate in Kohima, Dimapur, Wokha, and Tuensang. Officials plan to open a sixth location in Peren soon.
Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma inaugurated the new site. He praised the initiative for prioritizing wellness. "The centre would play an important role in preventive healthcare," he said. He added that while medicine often focuses on treatment, stopping health issues before they start is vital.
The center aims to combat rising HIV infection rates among local youth. It offers more than just HIV prevention. Staff will provide mental health support, addiction counseling, and reproductive health services. They also screen for syphilis, TB, Hepatitis, and STIs.
The facility runs from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm during summer months. Winter hours shift to 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The team also plans to host thematic sessions on career skills and life management.
A recent partnership with Tovra Works will link health services to job training. This MoU guarantees job placements for participants. Local leaders hope this connection will steer young people toward better overall health and economic outcomes.
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