The Angel From Kiphire

Kiphire is on the Myanmar border and drug abuse is a routine affaire here. Most users inject spasmo proxyvon, an oral drug. This causes abscesses which, if not attended to, could spread and become dangerous. The rate of STI (sexually transmitted infections) is also high. Since both scenarios make users vulnerable to HIV, health interventions include creating awareness, distributing sterilised disposable syringes and needles and making basic medication available. In an area where healthcare is minimal, virtually non-existent, Mary’s effort plays a vital role and her basic intervention often proves crucial. The doctor at the district medical hospital says there are only three doctors in the whole district. The abscess cases coming to him at the hospital are decreasing these days, he says, thanks to Mary’s excellent work.

Quick on her feet, Mary’s friendliness puts the addicts at ease. They come not just from Kiphire town, but also from the surrounding villages. Among them are boys of 14 years, and girls as young as 16, who’ve contracted STI. In most cases, being a woman does not come in the way of her work, says the healthworker. A simple, small enclosed space at the Drop-in-Centre for drug users serves as her place of work. An attendant helps to sterilise equipment. Some of those who come to Mary begin by seeking medicines for a stomach ailment or a headache but very often they gradually reveal their real problem. She is always quick to understand and sympathise.

Kiphire has the easy familiarity of a small town. It’s obvious she brings a lot of sensitivity and affection into her work. But there are times she gets frustrated. "Intravenous drug users are very difficult to deal with," she says sounding just a bit exhausted—"they change their word every now and then. Speak nicely to them and they’ll whisper, ‘Please give me ten rupees, sister’," she says good humouredly.

In addition, she must also deal with a hostile community. "Why are you helping drug users, they steal our things, create so much trouble for us—let them go and die," they tell her. But the young Naga woman from the minority Tikhir tribe continues her work undaunted.

Contact PO Box No. 144, Kiphire Town, Nagaland—798611. Tel: 9436074232 E-mail: ibapwo@yahoo.com