The ongoing Awareness Programme on Substance Abuse organized by the Mih-Myntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), Khliehriat in collaboration with the office of the District School Education Officer (DSEO), East Jaintia HillsDistrict and supported by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District has come to conclusion today at a programme held at the Elaka Sutnga Community Hall, East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was attended by Medical & Health Officer, In-charge Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), Centre, Khliehriat, Dr J. Nongtdu, in the presence of Programme Manager, Mih-Myntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), Khliehriat, Smti. R. Patlong, teachers, students and others.
Medical & Health Officer, In-charge Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), Centre,
Khliehriat, Dr J. Nongtdu, highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and
creating awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse. He explained that diseases such
as diabetes are increasingly affecting people due to poor diet and lack of exercise, stressing the
need for balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. He also elaborated on different types of
drugs, including stimulants such as caffeine and tobacco and depressants such as alcohol, noting
their impact on the brain and body. He cautioned that prolonged use of alcohol can lead to
serious health issues such as liver damage, high blood pressure, impaired coordination and
behavioural changes, while nicotine remains one of the most addictive substances, contributing
to long-term health problems including oral cancer.
Dr. Nongtdu further spoke on the effects of marijuana and club drugs, stating that these
substances can impair memory, concentration, and perception, while also causing anxiety and
other mental health issues. He pointed out that curiosity, stress, peer pressure, poor self-image,
anger, and social rejection are among the key reasons why individuals, especially youth, fall into
substance abuse.
Earlier, Programme Manager, Mih-Myntdu Community Social Welfare Association
(MCSWA), Khliehriat, Smti. R. Patlong, in her address, spoke on the ongoing efforts to reduce
the spread of HIV in the district, particularly through awareness initiatives and targeted
interventions among vulnerable groups. She explained that HIV weakens the immune system and
can progress to AIDS if left untreated, emphasising the importance of Anti-Retroviral Therapy
(ART) in controlling the disease. She urged individuals to undergo early testing and start
treatment immediately, noting that ART must be taken lifelong to maintain health and prevent
opportunistic infections.
She further informed that between 2500 and 3000 people are currently living with HIV in
East Jaintia Hills and that consistent treatment helps in improving CD4 count and achieving
“Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)” status. Highlighting the goal of making the district
HIV-free by 2030, she stressed that treatment should not be discontinued even after reaching
undetectable levels. She also outlined the four primary modes of transmission, unprotected
sexual contact, sharing of infected needles, mother-to-child transmission, and transfusion of
infected blood, and encouraged the public to adopt preventive measures and support awareness
efforts.
The programme saw active participation from students and served as an important
platform to promote awareness of health, responsible behaviour, and HIV prevention in the
district.
