Students participate in ‘Red Run’ for HIV /AIDS awareness

Morung Express News
Dimapur, Kohima| August 13

As part of the “Youth Fest” and coinciding with the International Youth Day on August 12, the district offices under Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) successfully organised Marathon Race under the theme “Red Run” across the 12 districts of Nagaland. A total of 519 enthusiastic Red Ribbon Club members took part in this event, with 299 males and 220 females participating from 58 RRC colleges, schools and institutes across the state.

Beyond being a mere race, the marathon served as a platform to raise vital awareness about HIV/AIDS. The winners in both male and female categories were awarded certificates and cash prizes.

KOHIMA: The District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU/DISHA) Kohima under the NSACS today organized a marathon race under the banner “Red Run.” This “Red Run” raised awareness about HIV prevention.

The run is for the members of Red Ribbon Club of the district as part of the Youth Festival 2023- 24 under the tagline – Youth for HIV/AIDS.

Kohima additional deputy commissioner Rhosietho Nguori flagged off this 5km run from Old NST and it culminated at Raj Bhavan areas, Officers Hill.

Addressing the participants, Nguori thanked the youth for coming forward to be the torch bearers in spreading awareness about HIV epidemic. He called upon them to continue to be the torch bearers and trendsetters to lead the society. “Continue this awareness in your own level,” he added. 54 participants from six colleges participated in this race.

The winners in male category were Khonzan Odyuo of Oriental College (1st); Lhuvezo Medeo of Kohima College (2nd), and Jeet Bahadur of Sazolie College (3rd). In the female category, the winners were Jasmine Thong of Oriental College (1st); Veralü Swuro of Japfu Christian College (2nd) and Ngepkhao S of Kohima College (3rd).

DIMAPUR: DAPCU, Dimapur observed International Youth Day on August 12  by organising a Marathon race from Clock Tower Junction till State Stadium via tajen Ao road under the theme “Red Run” with Dr Limatula Aier, Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Tepulezonu, District Sports Officer, Dimapur and Tito, President DADU as the special guests. 

Flagging off the Marathon race, CMO Dr Limatula shared that the event was organised to pledge support and show solidarity for those living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. She further stated that the marathon race is to create awareness to the people so that the population can be educated on HIV. 

The event was open to the students of RRC colleges of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts. Altogether 37 boys and 30 girls participated in the race in two categories.

The winners of the event were cited with certificates and cash prizes of Rs 3000, 2000 and 1000 respectively were given for both the categories. In showing solidarity for the cause of the event cash prize of Rs 5000 each were further enhanced to the first winners of both the categories by Tito, President, DADU.

MOKOKCHUNG: DAPCU, Mokokchung in celebration of International Youth Day organized a Youth Fest 5 km Marathon race, “The Red Run,” on the theme, “Youth for HIV AIDS,” which was sponsored by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).

Addressing the youths participating in the event, CMO, Mokchung, Dr Kibangkumba , urged the youths to reach out to people in spreading awareness about HIV AIDS and sensitized them on the basic facts about HIV prevention, transmission, and testing. 19 youths from different educational and training institutes participated in the marathon race.

Three winners from two categories, girls and boys, were awarded certificates and cash prizes. The winners from the boys category are Sangtsoi P from Fazl Ali College (1st), Ringsinei Richard from ICIT (2nd) and Koi Should K from Fazl Ali College (3rd). In the girls category, the winners are Sungtiyala C Imchen from Jubilee Memorial College (1st), Jongliu E from Fazl Ali College (2nd) and Muthsoi from Fazl Ali College (3rd).

MON: DAPCU, Mon in collaboration with Red Ribbon Club (RRC), Wangkhao Government College (WGC), Mon celebrated International Youth Day with a marathon race ‘Red Run’ for RRC members on August 12 covering 5kms from Diet centre to local ground, Mon. 

Before the flag-off, CMO Dr Vezokholu Theyo, in a brief address, said the voices of the youth, peer to peer education are potent weapon in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Also dwelling on the importance of getting tested for HIV/AIDS, she said knowing one’s HIV status provides powerful information to help towards keeping one healthy. Mon Town Students Union (MTSU) president Honpho also spoke on the occasion. 

Altogether 19 RCC (10 male, 9 female) participated in the marathon. Prizes were distributed by the CMO not only to the winners but to all the participants.